Good Works That Please God
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.”Ps. 33
We live in a world where being a Christian means going against the current of the world, against trends, because evil is often more attractive than good. The world has turned its back on God, preferring darkness to light. This is why we see evil glorified in movies that present villains and murderers as heroes and idols to emulate.
For this reason, we need to refocus on God, to love the values of heaven, and to recognize the worth of all that is good, as we see in the lives of the saints and many Christians. We already know the 14 works of mercy, both corporal and spiritual. These are good works we can do for others, for both their bodies and their souls. Let’s look at some examples of good works within everyone’s reach, through which we store up treasures in heaven, our only true possession and achievement in life.
- Attending Mass and retreats is a great good work, both for ourselves and for others. If we sanctify ourselves, we can help others in many ways to bring out the best in them.
- Staying away from temptation and from situations that could lead to sin or cause someone else to stumble. This alone is a good work, as it prevents someone else or yourself from falling into sin.
- Avoid falling into the trap of “an eye for an eye”, resentment, and revenge. A great good work is to overcome evil with good. Don’t allow harsh words or harmful actions to come from you; instead, speak and act in ways that build others up, even toward those who don’t treat you well.
- You can always offer good advice, starting with your own family, just as mothers naturally do with their children from the moment they are born. The guidance and motivation we offer can always help others.
- You can also enlighten friends and colleagues with the light of divine revelation and God’s will for them.
- In short, let’s take every opportunity to do good to all, and especially to our brothers and sisters in faith (Galatians 6:10).
- You can offer material support when someone genuinely needs it but avoid giving it when a person can earn it themselves, as this could harm them.
- Inviting someone to a Mass, a conference, or a retreat is an easy way to help someone who may be in need.
Speak words that encourage improvement, that inspire others to do good. Show affection, charity, and support to all —teachers, priests, family members, friends…
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”Matthew 5:16
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”Mark 10:45
Weekly Readings
Sunday: Is 53:10-11/Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22, (22)/Heb 4:14-16/Mk 10:35-45 or 10:42-45
Monday: Eph 2:1-10/Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4ab, 4c-5/Lk 12:13-21
Tuesday: Eph 2:12-22/Ps 85:9ab-10, 11-12, 13-14/Lk 12:35-38
Wednesday: Eph 3:2-12/Ps 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6/Lk 12:39-48
Thursday: Eph 3:14-21/Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19/Lk 12:49-53
Friday: Eph 4:1-6/Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6/Lk 12:54-59
Saturday: Eph 4:7-16/Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5/Lk 13:1-9
Next Sunday: Jer 31:7-9/Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 (3)/Heb 5:1-6/Mk 10:46-52
Observances for the Week
Sunday: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time; World Mission Sunday
Tuesday: St. John Paul II, Pope
Wednesday: St. John of Capistrano, Priest
Thursday: St. Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop
Next Sunday: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time