working as if god is watching
“The wicked man boasts, ‘He will not avenge it’; ‘There is no God…’ ” —Psalm 10:4
In today’s readings, the wicked believe that God is passive. They assume God does not see their wicked acts, that “He will not avenge” their wickedness (Ps 10:4). They imagine that God stands aloof and hides from the upright (Ps 10:1). “ ‘There is no God’ sums up [their] thoughts” (Ps 10:4). The wicked believe their triumph is complete, that no one can undermine the evil they have done (Mi 2:4).
Jesus reveals Himself as meek and gentle (Mt 11:29; 12:19-20). He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick (Mt 12:20). He waits and shows patience so that all might come to salvation (2 Pt 3:9). Yet the Lord does see (Ps 10:14). The Master has gone on a long journey and has handed over management of His household, His Kingdom on earth, to us, His stewards (Mt 24:45; 25:14). But He most assuredly is coming back, and when He returns, He will demand an account from us (Mt 25:19).
Therefore, let us be busy serving Him, dispensing the ration of grain in due season (Lk 12:42) like Joseph in the Old Testament (Gn 41:47-57). It may seem at present as though God is passive and aloof, as if He is away on “a journey” (Mt 21:33). We might not sense any urgency to serve Him and His people. However, “the time is short” (1 Cor 7:29). The Lord is coming soon. Therefore, serve Him with diligence (Lk 12:36-37).
Prayer: Father, place an urgency in my heart to work for Your harvest (Mt 9:37-38).
Promise: “In His name, the Gentiles will find hope.” —Mt 12:21
Praise: St. Camillus was addicted to gambling until Jesus set him free of his addiction and led him to conversion and faith at the age of twenty-five.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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