A long time ago, when I was a teenager, I'd often be praised for what I was doing at Saint Anne as an altar server, sacristan, peer minister, or something I did during Good Friday.
To be completely honest, there were times when I enjoyed the acknowledgement too much.
In the second reading for this Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Saint Paul shares that he does not share the gospel and teach us the ways of Jesus for praise, acknowledgement, or any other compensation. Saint Paul preaches the gospel humbly, willingly, enthusiastically, free of charge because that is how Jesus taught us to live: a life in service to others.
So, we should ask ourselves:
Do we do good things for praise or for money?
Or do we do good things simply to do good for the glory of God (not for our own glory)?
Over the years, I've learned that while it is nice to receive positive words for the good I've done, I feel more blessed when I serve in the way that Jesus, Saint Paul, and the holy people in my life have taught.