Fidelity in Anonimity

The first readings of the past days talk about the faction that divided the community at Corinth. Some were loyal to Paul, others to Cephas (Peter) and some others to Apollos. Paul encourages the Corinthians to go beyond personalities and focus instead on the bigger reality that all of them are simply “administrators of the mysteries of God”(1 Corinthians 4:1), of one and the same Christ.

Being caught up with people’s perception, praise or criticism can be a distraction for any disciple or minister. What matters to Paul is that he remains an honest and trustworthy administrator of Christ. “It matters little to me whether you or any human court pass judgment on me” (v3).

This applies to all of us, minister or not. As Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, “God does not call us to be successful but to be faithful.” It is not a call to mediocrity but to fidelity to be good, applause or no applause.

Let us end by reflecting once more on these lines attributed also to Mother Teresa. It is called “anyway.” “People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.”Fr. Joel O. Jason

 

Reflection Question:

Ponder on this: “Character is who you are when no one is looking at you.” Are you the same good person in and out of the spotlight?

 

Lord Jesus, bless my intentions to do good. Let me be content simply by knowing that I do Your most holy will. Amen.