Fr Ed Homily 11-10-20

Thank you?

As far back as I can remember, I have been taught to say please and thank you. In turn, when I do something good for someone else, I begin to expect that they will say thank you. When we get older, we still expect thanks, but in something more than just words. At work, we expect to get paid. And when we do something extra for work, like overtime or work on a weekend, we want more than just words but time and a half and an extra verbal thank you from our boss. If we are not appreciated for our extra effort, we feel that we have been treated poorly or unfairly.

But that is not what Jesus is indicating in today’s gospel. Rather, the servant is just doing what he is supposed to be doing. Why would you thank someone for doing just what they were supposed to do? Many people thank others profusely for anything, sometimes, believe it or not, for doing nothing. You just get in the habit of doing it.

Praise and recognition are meaningless if it is meaningless to the one who is offering it. Praise and recognition given for anything is meaningless. The only person who benefits from this activity is the one speaking, not the one for whom it was intended. This type of praise and recognition is really a passive aggressive form of trying to get something for yourself.

Do you use this with God? You know, God does not owe you anything. No matter how many prayers you say, how many acts of charity you do, no matter how many works of corporal mercy you do, God does not owe you a thank you nor will God be moved to grant you access to heaven. Because this is what you are supposed to do. Doing these activities gives our lives meaning and hope. Serving God does not mean God owes us anything. His salvation is a gift to us. We in turn do what is expected of us. What will you do today?

May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen