only the father's love
"Your Father Who sees what is hidden will repay you." —Matthew 6:18
When we give alms, pray, or fast, we can be repaid by the applause (Mt 6:2) or attention (Mt 6:5) we receive. If we decide to accept human recognition as payment, then we "are already repaid" (Mt 6:2). However, if we keep our almsgiving, praying, and fasting secret, then no one but God the Father knows about it, and our "Father Who sees in secret will repay" us (Mt 6:4).
Do you want to be paid by God the Father or by human beings? Do you want to be paid with "perishable food" or with "food that remains unto life eternal"? (Jn 6:27) In this year dedicated to God the Father, as we prepare for the Great Jubilee of the year 2000, get to know how real your heavenly Father is and how He wants to provide for you as only He can. All the applause and recognition in the world leaves us insecure. Only the affirmation we receive from God the Father will give us security and peace.
In this year of God the Father, He is saying to you even more loudly and clearly: "You are My beloved son," or "You are My beloved daughter" (see Mt 3:17). Let God the Father father you.
Prayer: Abba... (see Gal 4:6; Rm 8:15).
Promise: "He Who supplies seed for the sower and bread for the eater will provide in abundance; He will multiply the seed you sow and increase your generous yield." —2 Cor 9:10
Praise: Sarah spends several hours each week praying alone before the Blessed Sacrament.
Reference: (As an aid in coming to know God the Father more deeply, order and pray our book, Conversion-Conversations. This book contains daily prayer conversations with the Lord that span forty weeks. By faithfully praying each conversation daily, you will come to know more intimately the Father's love for you.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 28, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 1, 1998