| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| what is acceptable | Mary | Monday, November 4, 2013 |
Question: I have in my heart the will to do good in return for my answered prayers, especially for the needy (which I do anyway, ) - I pray much for those in need, even though i don't know many of those I pray for, I turn others needs over to the Sisters, contacting many Monasteries asking the good Sisters to pray for those I hear about, asking for their prayers for them. I pray much for my family and friends, and for the holy souls in purgatory. I pray for homeless animals, and have a particular desire to help animal shelters to which I donate my art free for their fundraisers. I would like to know if this is sufficient as an act of kindness toward others in the sight of God, which we are supposed to do. I also try to pray the rosary as much as possible- I know the Holy Spirit guides us, and speaks to our hearts, but I would like to know if what i'm doing is acceptable and sufficient enough as 'doing good for those in need'. I am always praying, and telling God in return for the graces He blesses me with, that I will do good for those in need. I listen to my heart and trust what i'm doing for others is with God's approval, I would appreciate your insight about this. Thank You |
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| Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r), CCL, LTh, DD, LNDC
Dear Mary: Note: I moved your question to this forum since what you are asking is not about spiritual warfare. From your description you are doing more than most people. Essentially, the answer to your question comes from the Blessed Mother in John 2:5 ~ His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." In other words, do whatever our Lord directs you to do. What you do and how much you do is between you and God, as long as your community service and religious service does not cause you to neglect your work and family. There is one problem with your words, however. You said "I have in my heart the will to do good in return for my answered prayers." You need to do good regardless of whether or not your prayers are answered the way you want. All prayers are answered, by-the-way. There is no such thing as a unanswered prayer. The issue is that our prayer may be not answered the way we want or in the way we expect. The good works we do should be done for their own sake for the love of God and the love of our neighbor without expectation of anything in return. We do not make deals with God. If we do good in return for anything, then the good is tainted by our improper motivation, by our selfishness. Do the good works you are doing, but never expect anything in return. Then, the good works you do are motivated by love, and not what you get in return. God Bless,
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