Somehow the word “free” seems to always catch our attention.
When we hear that word being mentioned, or see that word in flyers or advertisements, we may not be able to resist the curiosity of wanting to know what is free.
But as we know, and we will eventually find out, there is no such thing as a free meal.
And also, free cheese is found in mouse-traps.
When St. Paul reflected about his mission of preaching the gospel, he asked this question: Do you know what my reward is?
His answer to his own question is this: In my preaching, to be able to offer the Good News free, and not insist on the rights which the gospel gives me.
To be able to offer the Good News freely means that he does not expect to gain any material benefits from it but only to win as many souls as he could.
To preach the Good News and expect to gain from it, whether materially or for recognition, is like a blind man guiding another blind man.
So in serving the Lord, or to perform acts of charity, let us be free of self-centered motives and desires.
God will be our reward, and when we have God in our hearts, we will be able to guide others to salvation.