(2 Kgs 2:1, 6-14; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18): May Your glory be revealed through my silence
A particular verse that appears repeatedly in today’s Gospel deeply touches my heart and encourages me: “And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”
Indeed, it is true. We may step forward to take the initiative or decision-making power before others, standing in a position that draws attention, or we may involve ourselves in numerous tasks to exert influence over many people. Such a tendency may stem from one's natural disposition, or perhaps one accepts it as a personal duty, embracing it as a mission. Furthermore, the sense of fulfillment or joy derived from the work itself can make it possible. And I believe that in various practical fields, such efforts surely bring about a significant positive impact.
Yet, from time to time, I find myself praying for the wisdom of discernment. This is because of my firm conviction that whether one takes on countless responsibilities or immerses oneself in just a single task, there must be absolutely no difference in what lies beneath. That means we must never lose sight of the purity of intention to fulfill God's glory and His will, the delicate care to be added to the process so as not to lose that purpose, and an unwavering sense of identity that ensures God alone stands at the center when the results are achieved.
When we place ourselves at the forefront and become the center, thereby unconsciously losing our true purpose, it directly or indirectly affects those walking this path with us. When anyone’s anxiety grows from feeling that they are not living their life to the fullest, they seek a place to rely on, asking for the way once more and pulling their heart together. Surely, we cannot abandon them to a fleeting, turbulent current—the sweeping drift of the world. Even if they are searching for a place to lean their faith, standing firm toward eternity, we should never reject them by thinking they have not yet reached true faith; rather, it is an attitude we must welcome and embrace with open arms. However, if the very place that should serve as a refuge for faith begins to drift in a manner no different from secular ways of living, it would instead end up obscuring the glory of God.
A person who loves God and is steeped in His presence seeks to convey love even to a single soul who approaches their side, enjoying the joy of companionship through tender love and delicate consideration. If we give in to shallow inferiority or a wounded self-esteem, causing us to hurt others—extinguishing their wick and breaking their wings—the resulting reality is a foolishness that shatters not only the wounded person but also oneself, who has lost love. If we ultimately occupy the center where God ought to be revealed, we might feel a passing self-satisfaction on the outside, but we will eventually be buried in a sense of emptiness. Consequently, even the identity that our vocation ought to validate will be shaken, and we will find ourselves living a life that is nothing but an empty shell.
However, the constancy of keeping one's almsgiving hidden so that the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing, the earnest prayer that cannot turn away from the losses of others and the sufferings of this world but instead embraces them with hidden sacrifices as if squeezing one's heart, and the tears of sincere fasting that cries out through a poor life—these will surely reach heaven. Let us become people who believe so.
This is just as the urgent plea of Elisha, who clung on in the Second Book of Kings, chapter 2, verses 6 and 9, saying, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you,” and “May I receive a double portion of your spirit,” was granted in accordance with the will of God.
The mercy and love of God bestow upon us grace beyond measure. What if we offer our everything to God so that His mercy and love may tint this world, filling this earth with abundant joy? Let us empty and empty ourselves again, offering everything without reservation, so that we may be used as blessed instruments for all that the Lord will accomplish. Amen.