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JMJ
"We human beings will do nothing without looking for a reward. God is so munificent that we can do nothing harmless without being rewarded. We should understand that the most generous of acts, hidden, apparently seconded only by greater sufferings or persecution, is rewarded in such a manner, were it only at the end of a century, that [we will realize our] loss of self has resulted in the finding of self in God, where all is joy and vigor, though the body be but a skeleton of severities. The work is attempted for God, with all its renunciations, weariness, incurred scorn, floutings of one's personal tastes and sensibilities, is never anything but a self-interested proceeding-its goal is heaven.
The great God is so good a Master as this; and He has made it impossible for us to lose by suffering for Him. . .Let us understand clearly. . . that there can be no question of pride or complacency, but only humble thanksgiving . . . that we can do so little for the gift that will be given to us by God, who rushes His rewards upon us for the least loving act on on our part, or causes us to wait patiently for still greater treasure. It is not that we are not sublime when true to Him in entire obedience, but that He is so faithful, that the more we think we are doing for Him, the less we should imagine that we are to be pitied."
(Servant of God Rose Hawthorne)
