something to the poor, do not have it trumpeted before you, as do those who want to be
noticed in the synagogues and in the streets, in order to be praised by people. I assure
you, they have their reward. If you give something to the poor, do not let your left hand
know what your right hand is doing, so that your gift remains really secret. Your Father,
who sees what is kept secret, will reward you. When you pray, do not be like those who
want to be noticed. They love to stand and pray in the synagogues or on street corners,
in order to be seen by everyone. I assure you, they have their reward. When you pray,
go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is with you in secret; and
your Father who sees what is kept secret will reward you. When you fast, do not put on
a miserable face, as do the hypocrites. They put on a gloomy face, so that people can
see they are fasting. I tell you this: they have been paid in full already. When you fast,
wash your face and make yourself look cheerful, because you are not fasting for
appearances or for people, but for your Father, who sees beyond appearances.
And your Father, who sees what is kept secret, will reward you.
Reflect
“Rend your heart.” Today people celebrate Heart’s Day. Today is also Ash Wednesday.
During this season, the faithful are summoned to do more works of charity, to pray more
intensely and to fast more meaningfully. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us not to trumpet
our religious practices out loud but rather to do them secretly. Yet, we may also recall
Jesus telling us that our light must shine so that others may see our good deeds and glorify
our heavenly Father (cf. Mt. 5:16). However, in today’s Gospel, Jesus also instructs us to
keep our good deeds secretly. Which is which? Today’s Gospel makes it clear.
We are not to do our religious practices as the hypocrites do. The hypocrites show one thing
while their hearts keep another thing. What would determine the weight of the good things we
do is what is inside our hearts. The first reading from Joel puts it well, “Rend your heart, not
your garment.” (Jl. 2:13) Let us get rid of any intention that is not of God and every good
deed, whether shown or kept secretly, will glorify God and not our ego.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2024
