11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 

Parents know what it’s like to sacrifice in secret. It may start when a pregnant woman avoids certain foods or drinks that may hurt her unborn baby. Then there are the thousands of hours of cooking, cleaning, and caring that are all part of the job of parenting. But beyond parenting, there are also many little sacrifices that we make—like letting somebody cut in front of us in line, patiently listening when someone is telling a long story, or offering a prayer when we hear bad news on the radio.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells us that our heavenly Father sees all of these “secret” sacrifices. And he doesn’t just see them; he tells us he will “repay” us.

What an encouraging promise—especially during those times when we wonder if we’re making any difference at all! God sees every sacrifice we make. He knows how hard it can be at times. And he assures us that no single sacrifice is ever wasted. Even if the one we are helping out never recognizes what we have done, God recognizes it, and he rewards it.

So how does God reward you? Usually not with money or public praise, but with something far more valuable: the joy of knowing that you are becoming more like his Son. He softens your heart a little more each time you give so that you become a little more generous the next time and the time after that. He repays you by allowing the witness of your love to soften the hearts of the people around you—even if your acts of sacrifice remain hidden.

Sometimes these rewards seem as hidden as the sacrifices that prompted them. Sometimes they even seem delayed or deferred altogether. But that’s okay. It’s enough just to know that your heavenly Father sees what no one else sees and rejoices in it. It’s enough to know that one day you will see him face-to-face, and that on that day, you will be rewarded far more than you can imagine here and now. Until that day comes, take comfort in knowing that you have the great privilege of loving as he loves.

“Father, thank you for calling me to serve just as you served! Help me to find joy in giving without counting the cost.”

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
Psalm 31:20, 21, 24