Why do we do the things that we do?
All sorts of people in the bible do all sorts of things – good and not so good.
When we help others, do we do it: out of guilt, for show, to be seen and to elevate ourselves in others’ eyes?
Is it to increase our social status and, in the eyes of our community, to be ‘a great person who…’? Or is it to genuinely help?
Only the individual knows the real reason!
Rich people give of their surplus and will not feel a pinch – do they feel duty-bound and feel they have fulfilled their obligation or genuinely feel that they want to help others?
A poorer person may give because s/he feels that it is the right thing to do and wants to help others.
Do we want to be seen giving/helping or do we do it quietly and not for show with no personal gain?
We cannot judge why people do things but we can ask ourselves: “Why do I do it?”
How must the self-esteem be of the person who does it just to be seen and who needs approval / affirmation in such a visual way?
When we give out of kindness and for the right reason good things happen, as with the mother and son in today’s first reading. Good things happen that cannot be explained; we do not seek a reward, but things happen in a positive and unexplained way.
We look after others, and we will be looked after too.
Image: Pixabay: sasint
Carol McCabe
