Home   Singing a New Song   Year A Lectionary   After Pentecost

For the list of Gospel passages used in Years A,B and C click here

After Pentecost     Pentecost 3     Matthew 10:40–42  (Not used)

Rewards (YA No 55)

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the prayer of St. Ignatius Loyola, 1491 – 1556, founder of the Jesuits.  His prayer –

Teach us good Lord, to serve you as you deserve

To give and not to count the cost

To fight and not to heed the wounds

To toil and not to seek for rest

To labor and not to ask for any reward

Save that of knowing that we do your will.

I have chosen Loyola’s prayer on which to base the lyrics.

When we act with grace and kindness

Are we looking for reward?

Do we thirst for praise, approval?

Wish to win some high award?

Motives for our deeds uncover

All that’s pure and what is fraud.

If we make a show of virtue

And have selfish aims in mind,

Our reward will be so shallow;

Will be worthless; we will find

Only if we act in honour

Will our deeds be truly kind.

In our service, in our giving

May we seek integrity;

In our toiling and our labour

Practise meek humility;

Teach us not to ask for credit

But for joy in ministry.

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