Saint Augustine wrote in his book, Exposition on the Book of Psalms, something that goes very well, with the same line of thought as the readings for mass today:
“For our temporal welfare itself finally we ought not to do our good works, but rather for the sake of that everlasting welfare which we hope for, where we may enjoy an unchangeable good, which we shall have from God, nay, what God Himself is unto us. For if God’s Saints were to do good works for the sake of this temporal welfare, never would the martyrs of Christ achieve a good work of confession in the loss of this same welfare.” ~ St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church
This is a deep line of thought but the basic concept is the same as the first reading for mass today. Saint Peter writes, “It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves, but you …” 1 Peter 1:12
Saint Peter mentions to Jesus in today’s gospel that, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus answered Saint Peter by telling him that there was no one who gave up their home, their family, or lands for his sake, who would not receive a hundred times more in the present age and in the age to come. The disciples served not themselves but Christ, and one day they would receive their reward.
Saint Augustine, Saint Peter and Jesus in today’s readings for mass, all encourage Christians to also work for the Lord instead of mainly serving themselves and their families. We all need our jobs, family and possessions in order to live. These things are good and holy. We honor God by doing a good job at work and taking care of our families to the best of our ability. This is a good thing. The scriptures in today’s readings for mass are not telling us to give these things up though. Jesus’ words in the gospel were mainly written for his disciples, because he required their sacrifice of family, jobs and possessions so that they would have the time to spread the Good News and establish his church on earth. All but Saint John ended their lives as martyrs, but they all became saints. They literally gave all they had, including their own lives for the Lord.
We are called to become saints too though, in a different way. Aside from doing a good job at work (for which we are paid) and taking good care of our family, the scriptures are also asking us today to take a good hard look at what we actually do for Jesus Christ in our lives, that we receive no reward for. This reward may be in a monetary form, or to be honored in some other way for our efforts.
In the gospel of Matthew 6:2-6 Jesus warns us to be careful of doing good works only for payment or a reward, whether that is in the form of money or a prominent position in society. This is a good thought for today, in light of the readings for mass too. What do we do for God and his people that we do not receive payment or a public reward for? (Other than taking care of our own family, or by the good efforts that we put forth on our jobs.)
Doing a good job is important. Taking good care of our families and providing for their needs is important. But, outside of our jobs and families, are we doing things for Jesus Christ and other people, for which we are not paid to do?
Daily Mass Readings:
1 Pt 1: 10-16 / Ps 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 / Mk 10: 28-31
