a. m. d. g.
"Whatever you do — you should do all for the glory of God." —1 Corinthians 10:31
It's the middle of winter; it's bitterly cold; it's so tempting to hide away and just go through the motions. However, Lent begins on Wednesday. Lent is a great antidote for the temptation to go through the motions and do the bare minimum in our work, school, marriage, parenting, ministry, etc.
The Church gives us Lent to break through the drudgery of life (see Jb 7:1). There can be no going through the motions at the foot of the cross. When we place ourselves in the glory of God's presence in heaven, there is also no minimalism and no going through the motions. God's glory is one of the greatest motivating factors in this life. We Christians do all "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam," for the greater glory of God.
When we are concerned for the glory of God, we do not take a day off. When we relax, get skeptical, or express bitterness or unforgiveness, or commit sins, we do not give God glory in the sight of others (e.g. Nm 20:12). We might interact with someone for the first and only time today, and our actions and attitudes might influence them to decide for or against the Lord. The great baseball player, Joe DiMaggio, was once asked why he played so hard, even in meaningless games. He replied: "There might be a boy in the stands who may only see me play this one time. He deserves to see my best, so I always give my best." How much more must we, who serve Almighty God, do our very best at all times, for the glory of God is at stake!
Prayer: Father, like the prophets Moses and Ezekiel, "let me see Your glory" (Ex 33:18). May I spend my life doing all for your glory.
Promise: "I said, 'I confess my faults to the Lord,' and You took away the guilt of my sin." —Ps 32:5
Praise: Praise You, Jesus, for rising to new life and for vanquishing sin and death. Alleluia!
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 10, 2017
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