WHAT ABOUT US?

PRAYER MOMENT                      

Tuesday 19 August 2014

WHAT ABOUT US?/

Pause. Be still in God’s presence.

Reading: “What about us? We have left everything and followed you. What are we to have?.” (Matt 19:23-30)

Reflection. What do we get out of it? What a normal question! Something that would arise in anyone’s mind. Jesus knows that and humours them by telling the disciples they will be well repaid. But it does not show the disciples up in a good light. When it comes to truth we are not to look for reward. When you read about writers and artists generally you find their passion is to write truthfully or to paint the truth as they see it. Even if no one sees it or understands. How many artists died in poverty and were recognised only after their death? Vincent van Gogh died in “sadness and loneliness” but now his paintings of sunflowers sell for millions. To work – or do anything – simply because of the pay is inadequate although many do just that. Surely our struggles should be for what is right and truthful and the good of others whether we get paid or not. A person has to live and care for their family. But somehow reward should not be the main motive.

      

Prayer. Lord Jesus, teach us to seek for no reward except that of knowing we seek the truth..  Amen

David Harold-Barry SJ