The beauty of the Reward from God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:12-14*

*First Reading : Rom 11:29-36*

*The beauty of the Reward from God*

*1) Jesus on reciprocal reward*

Jesus begins today's Gospel with the concept of reciprocal reward 

Jesus talks in the context of hosting a dinner to friends, relatives, family members  and wealthy neighbors

Jesus says, whenever one hosts a dinner to the members of this circle, they will invite inturn for the meals 

So whatever one has given will get it back from the close circles

*2) Hosting a dinner to the Needy*

Further Jesus speaks about hosting a dinner to the needy, especially to the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; 

Whenever one shares the meals with them, they are not in a situation to call back and host a dinner in return 

So whatever one shares does not get from the people from those with whom he has shared his meals 

*3) Reward is definite*

There is doubt about it. Jesus says *And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”* Mt 10:42

This statement of Jesus shows that even a slightest good deed will be rewarded by our heavenly Father 

So whenever one hosts the dinner for the needy, the reward comes from elsewhere, and  not  from needy people 

*4) The reward from God*

This is a beautiful concept which is found in today's Gospel

Jesus says, *blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”*

So, every good deed is rewarded by God 

*5) The speciality of God's reward*

It lasts forever. It is a eternal reward. This reward saves us and gives us, eternal life 

God's reward also shows us that we are just and righteous people. 

Only good and holy people are eligible for God's reward 

*6) Reward from our fellow being*

Such a reward gives us only temporary satisfaction

Reciprocal reward from our fellow being, nullifies the Reward from God 

When the other repays for my service, God has nothing to repay for my dervie

But this reward, has only temporary satisfaction

*7) From whom do I expect rewards?*

If I am expecting from my fellowbeing, God has nothing to reward for me 

If I am expecting from God, then I must learn give selfless service without expecting any Reward. 

It is better to expect reward from God than from human beings 

So from Whom do I expect the rewards? God or Human Beings?  

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*