March 25

For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. — 2 Cor 4:5 BSB

There’s a story of a great artist who, while painting the ceiling of St. Peter’s Cathedral, wore a lamp on his forehead so that no shadow of himself would fall on his work. We should also learn to work in such a way that self never casts a shadow over what we are doing for Christ.

It is not easy to go through life without allowing our moods or feelings to affect our work or relationships. Sometimes, when things don’t go as we like, or when others don’t give us the recognition we think we deserve, we feel hurt. This can cause us to lose interest in our work or treat others differently. But this is not the Christian way. Jesus would never let a slight or insult make Him less faithful. Touchiness is not a fruit of the Spirit.