March 17, 2021 – Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031721.cfm)

Thomas Green, a well-known Jesuit spiritual director once pointed out that for those who are in one way or another involved with apostolic work and ministry, there is a big difference between working for God and doing God’s work. Though working for God and doing God’s work are both noble and good as well as might mean the same, the difference lies on the doer, worker, or actor of the work.

Working for God is based from OUR own initiative and creativity. It is service-done designed according to our own will so that God and others will be pleased with us. God and others then, becomes a passive recipient of our good works. However, doing God’s work is based not on our own but on God’s own initiative and creativity. It is service-done, patterned according not to our own will but to God’s will and done in partnership and collaboration with God. Here, God is the author and actor of the good works done. We become then just participants and instruments of God’s work as well as all will be the beneficiaries of God’s work. Simply put, Working for God is OUR work for God, while Doing God’s work is God’s work for us & done with Us.

Jesus in our gospel today gives us a description of the relationship or tandem between himself and his Father. Jesus said: I can do nothing of myself, because I seek not my own will but the will of Him who sent me. Meaning, the attitude of Jesus toward his mission and good work is not working for God but doing God’s work. He sees himself as active participant not a passive recipient, and as collaborator or partner, not conspiring plotter, of God.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be involved with the good work of salvation. But in doing so, we must be like Jesus in doing God’s work, and not working for God.

Though we do our part in God’s work, Lent Season challenges us to be more in sync & at tune with God’s will, plan, & ways of leading & guiding us, rather than insist our own plans, will & ways for what is best for us in our lives nowadays.

So Help us God. So may It be. Amen.