not all good actions are God’s actions

What was the motive of Judas in proposing that the perfume anointed on the feet of Jesus be sold and the proceeds be given to the poor? Was it really well-intended? Was it really borne out of charity and concern for the plight of the poor, or was it plain and simple hatred for Jesus? It is difficult to know. It is something only God can fathom.
But certain facts are clear from this incident. First, not all good works are motivated by good intentions. It may be done for other intentions which can only be known by the doer of the action. It may even be done because of some sinister and evil motives. Following the rules for example may be motivated by fear of authority or the need to be recognized and affirmed by the superiors. Following the rules is good. In fact it is praiseworthy. But the individual might have other intentions which may make a good deed less than sincere.


Second, a logical proposition, or a reasonable excuse may not always have a good intention. The mind can be a terrible liar. Reason can manipulate the truth. The snake in his argument with Eve has a very interesting and logical proposal. Judas in our gospel presented a reasonable scheme. But not one of these is really properly motivated.
St John of the Cross has a very good proposal on the examination of motivations and intentions – if you want to know the real motive of your action you should be aware of the first movement of your heart. What is the first movement of your heart, be aware of it, because the second, the third, the fourth movements are the reasoning of the devil which will sugar coat the original intention. Know the first movement of your heart. Be aware of your first intent – were you really moved by love and concern, or was the original intent actually self-serving? Are you truly moved to act because of the sense of responsibility convinced as you are by the rightness of your formation, or is it because of something else. Today let us try to be more discerning – a discerning heart is one which reflects on its actions and its intentions. Remember, not all good actions are God’s actions. We have to learn to really discern.