There are different ways of defining joy. There are different ways of finding joy. One of my friends defines joy this way, “Joy is doing something good secretly and then being discovered by accident.” The first part—doing things secretly—is what the Lord recommends. But to wish that it would be discovered by accident and to be appreciated for it, is not recommended by the Lord. Do things hidden from onlookers’ prying eyes, secretly, without fanfare. If there is anything we want to take home today, Ash Wednesday, remember this word all the time—”hidden.”
It is very easy to do good things in a hidden fashion. We can abstain, let go of soft drinks, meat, or ice cream any time. It is very easy to do all that. The problem is that after a few hours of sacrifice, we start to complain and say, “Ang hirap-hirap.” Actually, for some of us who complain, it is not because we really want to complain but because we want to tell others, “Look, I am making a sacrifice.” For some, it is not so much the difficulty but more the desire to make people see that we are sacrificing in a hidden manner and then they will appreciate us. Take that word with you and bring it to life—”hidden.”
The problem in the Church, the government, of the country and the world is really that we do not know how to appreciate working without people watching and applauding. We cannot seem to do good things in a hidden manner. Christ, after His resurrection, always did things “hidden.” When He was recognized, He slipped away. He refused popularity because, as Mother Teresa said, “We are called not to be successful but to be faithful.” Imitate my friend. Find joy in doing things in a hidden way. But when you are not discovered by accident, you are not appreciated, do not complain. Leave it to God.
JOY OF BEING GIVEN
Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Love Like Jesus
