Today’s Gospel:  Luke 14:12-14

REFLECTION
To give anything in the hope that the recipient would return more, was not really to give. There could be no harm in inviting one’s neighbor to a feast (as today’s Gospel narrates); it could hardly be displeasing to God to have fellowship with one’s family. The man who ministers to the poor cannot hope for a reward – unless - even this be a part of his advertising campaign! The Lord spoke of the future day when the saints would be brought to the Judgment seat of Christ. (See 1 Corinthians 3:11–15.) Christian works are to be tried as in a fire; when a man has lived for self and for self interests, even though his actions appeared to be the most commendable, they will be revealed for their true worth; they will perish in the fires of God’s examining scrutiny. When a man has conscientiously tried to do that which is right, irrespective of whether or not he is ever to be recompensed for his actions, his deeds remain to shine forth as gold, silver, precious stones. This passage, it must be remembered, was delivered to men who coveted the chief places; they gave feasts that all men might mention the fact to others. The Lord advocated the wisdom of letting the right hand be unaware of what the left was doing. The self-life is best seen to advantage when it is crucified!

Today’s Reading:  Philippians 2:1-4

PRAYER
Lord, the little things I do for my brothers and sisters, I do for Your glory.  Remind me not to put a price tag on them nor to seek public adulation for them.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.