Ordinary Deeds Done with Great Love - Weekday Homily Video

Today's message from Jesus comes at us right out of the gate without any metaphors. Jesus tells his disciples which also includes us "Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them."

At first hearing, that seems straightforward enough. But then something happened to me this past Saturday that made me think a little more deeply about those words.

While I was waiting to have my oil changed, dressed in my finest Notre Dame T-shirt and cargo pants, blissfully thinking about World Cup soccer, one of the technicians came over to check me in and do a visual inspection of the car. A few minutes later, he returned with a broad smile and said, "Hey, man, I love your license plate!"

Quiet Witness vs. Seeking Attention

For a second, I couldn't even remember what license plate I had. Then he smiled, shook my hand, and simply said, "God bless." Only then did I remember. Quite a while back, I replaced my old Save the Right Whale's license plate with a Choose Life plate.

That young man's reaction reminded me that there's an important difference between quietly witnessing to our faith and seeking attention for ourselves. I certainly wasn't consciously trying to make a statement that afternoon. In fact, I had forgotten the plate was even there. Yet something as simple as that license plate opened the door for a moment of encouragement between two strangers who shared a common belief in the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.

Being Authentic

Jesus isn't telling us to hide our faith. For as we know, He tells us to let our light shine before others. What He does condemn is using religion to draw attention to ourselves rather than to God. You see, the Pharisees wanted admiration, but Jesus wants authenticity.

The first reading from the Second Book of Kings gives us a beautiful example. After the prophet Elijah is taken into heaven, Elisha receives his mantle and strikes the waters of the Jordan.

But notice his first words: "Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" Elisha doesn't ask, "Look at me, look at what I can do." His concern is that God's power, not his own reputation, be revealed. And, the miracle points beyond Elisha to the Lord who remains faithful to His people.

Who Is This About?

My brothers and sisters, that is the challenge for every Christian. Whether we wear a cross around our neck, wear a clerical shirt or religious habit, pray before meals in a restaurant, volunteer quietly, forgive someone who has hurt us, or display a simple Choose Life license plate, the question is always the same: Is this about me, or is this about Christ?

The saints teach us that holiness is often found in ordinary acts performed with extraordinary love, without the need for applause. Most of the good we do will never make headlines. It may never even be noticed. But our Father who sees in secret sees every hidden sacrifice, every unnoticed kindness, every silent prayer, and every faithful decision to do the right.

Perhaps that young technician never realized it, but his simple "God bless" became a joyful reminder for me. The most powerful witness to Christ is often the one we aren't trying to make. When our lives quietly point to Him rather than to ourselves, then our good works accomplish exactly what Jesus intends: not for our glory, but God's.

• Today’s Readings
  
  
• Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
  
  
• To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join, too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)