Pleasing to God

Readings for Tuesday August 25, 2009

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 139
Gospel: Matthew 23:23-26


But as we were judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, that is how we speak, not as trying to please men, but rather God, who judges our hearts. (1 Thes 2:4)

As I was reading this passage from 1 Thessalonians, I began asking myself a very important question: how many times in my life am I doing this in order to please either someone else or myself? I may not be doing this purposefully all of the time and at times there may be the direct intention of trying to bring joy to someone's life. But overall how many times do we try and please ourselves and other people. Think about all the times that we have tried to please teachers, bosses, significant others, family, etc. How many times do we go out and intentionally try and please God in all of the things that we are doing?

I believe that we all need to change direction a little bit. I believe that we all need to be trying to please God and glorifying Him each day of our lives. If we go to work or school and seek to do a good job, it should be for God's glory, not that of the company or supervisors. If we are trying to be good husbands and wives, then we should be doing it for God's glory, not for what we may get out of it. If we are trying to be good family members, then it should be for God's glory, not for personal gain. We should strive and stain each day to bring glory to God and to always do what is pleasing to our Creator.

Saint Paul makes it very clear to the Thessalonians, that they should not do what is pleasing to other people, they should do what is pleasing to God. We too must not worry about doing what is pleasing to others, but rather seek first to please God, for it is He who judges our hearts and knows our true intentions.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, you are so rich in mercy and love, for which we are do thankful. Lord we know that you are the way to eternal life, help us to follow you more closely in this life and give us the strength to be your good and faithful servants. Lord, thank you for creating us and for giving us the lives that you call us to. We praise you for all that we are, for all that we can do, and for all that we will be. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.