Too often, what defines a person is really something that is not particularly important. The problem is that we let it define us to ourselves. It is very commonplace for people to let their work and careers be “who” they are. They even introduce themselves that way – “hello, my name is Bob. I am an attorney,” etc. However, that is not who we are, it is simply something we may do; one of many. The truth of who we are is much deeper. “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.” (Galatians 3:26)
Keeping in mind who we really are, we can better account for what we do. We should not do for ourselves, but for God, our Father. What we do for love of him and for his glory is what will define our life. Our work and activities need to be directed for the good of others, for in serving and loving others we serve and love God. Success in what we do is good, and accepting recognition is good as well, when accompanied with humility and credit to God.
Our work life and prayer life can be in synchrony and keep us united to God’s will. When this is done the focus is taken off of us and we see the needs of others more clearly and can serve them better. Real meaning is given to our work and purpose to our lives. We will begin to view everyone in a different light; our spouse, family, children, friends, and strangers. It is a path to living a Divine life.
Our Blessed Mother is a perfect example of this life. In all that she did, it was in the light of God and prayer. From her fiat, saying yes to God’s will (Luke 1:38), to visiting and serving Elizabeth in all haste (Luke 1:39-45), to seeing the needs of others and acting on their behalf at the wedding in Cana (John 2:3-5), and being in constant prayer with the apostles in the Upper Room (Acts 1:14), her whole life and all she did was ordered to the glory of God. We can and must follow her example. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
As we work, for the glory of God and for the benefit of others, in like manner may we pray. While it is good to ask for God’s help and blessings, our prayer must not be about us. Why do we pray? Is it to get something or is it more? Our prayer should be driven by love of God and out of humility. In taking a spin on President John F. Kennedy’s famous quote, perhaps we could ask not what God can do for us, but what we can do for God.
May we take time to think about what we are doing, why we are doing it, for whom we are doing it, and if it is being done as God wants it to be.
“I am not capable of doing big things, but I want to do everything, even the smallest things, for the greater glory of God.” (St. Dominic)
Leave a Reply