Wednesday June 17th: Eternal reward, not fleeting applause!

“Your Father who sees all that is done in secret” …

Matthew 6:1-6, 16,18

I noticed that in today’s Gospel passage, verses 4, 6, and 18 of St Matthew’s Gospel reiterate principles taught from childhood through the ‘Penny Catechism’: God knows even our most secret thoughts. Yes, God is omniscient! He knows all things.

Yet, it is easy to overlook that He observes even our most private thoughts, both good and evil. Considerable time, energy, and financial resources are spent to impress others, resulting in only temporary rewards, while we neglect the One who determines our eternal destiny.

The pursuit of human approval often supersedes actions that should be guided by the love of God. Reflecting on this divine love and God’s omniscience has the potential to transform our behaviour and approach to life. We should ensure that our intentions and actions reflect a sincere devotion to God rather than seeking worldly validation.

Let us strive to cultivate humility and authenticity, aware that God’s loving gaze is ever upon us, urging us to live not for fleeting applause, but for the eternal reward that comes from faithfully following Him. Amen