22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Everyone will receive praise from God.

Does this sentence strike you as a little odd? Up to this point, St. Paul has been talking about the Lord coming on the day of judgment to “bring to light what is hidden in darkness” (1 Corinthians 4:5). That idea probably conjures up images of us standing shamefaced before God, hearing him list off every hidden sin we have ever committed. So why does Paul end by saying that “everyone will receive praise from God” (4:5)?

Well, imagine God looking into your heart. What do you think he would see? Jealousy? Anger? Selfishness? Probably, but also love, faith, and dedication. After all, he sees everything. So it’s quite possible that what is “hidden” is not only what is wrong with us, but also what is right. And that’s what God will praise us for.

We often focus more on our faults than our good qualities, especially when we think of God’s judgment. But God sees the whole picture of who we are. That means, of course, that he knows about the darkness in you. But he also knows about the light—even when it’s not obvious to you. For instance, where you might see only the grudge you hold against a family member, God also sees your struggle as you try to forgive.

That doesn’t mean God excuses your sins or wants you to focus only on your good side. But it does mean that he wants you to keep a balanced perspective about who you are, about the gifts he’s given you, and about the virtues he has already developed in you.

It’s like the relationship between a parent and a child. A good father doesn’t constantly criticize a child to get her to change her behavior. He sees her potential. He encourages her and tells her what she is doing right. He praises her when she makes progress, even as he corrects her when she goes astray.

Does the thought of coming under God’s judgment make you uneasy? Remember this passage. Remember that God is your heavenly Father. Then let him shine his light on both the good and the not so good in you. Ask him to show you the love and compassion that fill him as he looks on you.

“Come, Lord, and search my heart!”

1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Psalm 37:3-6, 27-28, 39-40
Luke 5:33-39