“May our Lenten penances help us appreciate the many blessings that God has already given us, so that we may rejoice more fully in the glory of His Resurrection.” - Amen! Thank you for this beautiful reflection on today’s Gospel.
Great article! Sometimes it seems like fine line between “receiving your reward” on earth vs a spiritual reward in Heaven. The example of the Pharisees in our readings today is clear, but does, say, a feeling of satisfaction or accomplishment for doing what is right also count as ‘receiving your reward’? I’d love some insight on this topic. Thank you!
I was thinking about your question this evening wondering how best to answer it. I’m no theologian, but I think feelings of satisfaction or accomplishment at doing something good can be a morally neutral response. It seems to be a natural reaction, and as long as we do not delight in the feeling too much, I don’t think it is “receiving our reward.” When the Church evaluates the morality of something, she always examines a person’s intentions for doing the act. If we are doing good simply to feel good, with no deeper moral or spiritual aspect to it, then I would say that is probably not spiritually beneficial. However, if we know that we will experience that feeling but also want to do good for God and to help our neighbour, then I do not think it is the same as receiving our reward. If we passively accept the “feel good” aspect while keeping our eyes on the spiritual reality, then it seems to me that such feelings are not bad.
Awesome reflection. We often trade true eternal joy for immediate gratification.
“May our Lenten penances help us appreciate the many blessings that God has already given us, so that we may rejoice more fully in the glory of His Resurrection.” - Amen! Thank you for this beautiful reflection on today’s Gospel.
Great article! Sometimes it seems like fine line between “receiving your reward” on earth vs a spiritual reward in Heaven. The example of the Pharisees in our readings today is clear, but does, say, a feeling of satisfaction or accomplishment for doing what is right also count as ‘receiving your reward’? I’d love some insight on this topic. Thank you!
I was thinking about your question this evening wondering how best to answer it. I’m no theologian, but I think feelings of satisfaction or accomplishment at doing something good can be a morally neutral response. It seems to be a natural reaction, and as long as we do not delight in the feeling too much, I don’t think it is “receiving our reward.” When the Church evaluates the morality of something, she always examines a person’s intentions for doing the act. If we are doing good simply to feel good, with no deeper moral or spiritual aspect to it, then I would say that is probably not spiritually beneficial. However, if we know that we will experience that feeling but also want to do good for God and to help our neighbour, then I do not think it is the same as receiving our reward. If we passively accept the “feel good” aspect while keeping our eyes on the spiritual reality, then it seems to me that such feelings are not bad.
May God bless you!
Thank you for the thought-out reply! This makes sense, I like the way you described satisfaction as morally neutral if the intent and focus was just.
AMEN! This is beautiful and so true!!!!!!