Listen

As he was teaching, he said, “Watch out for the legal experts. They like to walk around in long robes. They want to be greeted with honor in the markets. They long for places of honor in the synagogues and at banquets. They are the ones who cheat widows out of their homes, and to show off they say long prayers. They will be judged most harshly.”

Mark 12:38-40

Think

When Samuel arrives at Jesse’s house to anoint the next king of Israel, he seeks out the eldest of Jesse’s sons for the consecration. In Samuel’s eyes, there is no doubt that the eldest was the chosen one. When God shows Samuel his mistake, Samuel continues down the line of sons without any success. The important message in this narrative is when God tells Samuel, “God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the Lord sees into the heart.”

Sometimes we err in giving more importance to appearances than to the heart and intentions. I have always thought that I am not impressed by a person who thinks he is more religious. On the contrary, I am impressed by the person who worships God by serving others from the heart. Taking care of ourselves from people who appear one way but are really another makes us have a more humble and grateful heart. To society, having a humble heart may appear as weakness. For God it is different.

Abner Cotto-Bonilla

Question to Ponder:

How is your heart at this hour – proud or humble?

Pray

God, I ask that my heart may always be pleasing to you. I ask that appearances not cloud my understanding nor turn me away from your direction and purpose. Draw me closer to the people who need you and need my service to bless them. Amen.

Go

Keep moving forward and never stop sharing what you have received from God.