Gospel MT 6:1-6, 16-18
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds
in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets
to win the praise of others.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you give alms,
do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
so that your almsgiving may be secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites,
who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners
so that others may see them.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door,
and pray to your Father in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.
They neglect their appearance,
so that they may appear to others to be fasting.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
so that you may not appear to others to be fasting,
except to your Father who is hidden.
And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
Reflection:
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.”
In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us that our righteous deeds (good works), alms giving (donations), prayer, and fasting should be done in secret.
Elsewhere in Matthew, Jesus seems to be saying exactly the opposite: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
So, how are we to interpret this apparent contradiction?
To find the answer, we must look into our heart.
Are we doing good works in order to impress others, or do we perform charitable acts out of love of our neighbor and God?
If our motives are pure then “….your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”
“But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” – – 1 Thessalonians 2:4