REFLECTIONS TODAY

As is always the case, Jesus is more concerned with the interior motive of the person. Jesus is only too aware of the hypocrisy, especially on the part of the religious leaders, like the scribes and the Pharisees, who try to appear before people as prayerful and generous to the poor. Behind their good works is the desire for self-gratification and self-promotion. In the Gospel, Jesus tells his hearers not to follow their example; rather, they should do their good works with purity of intention and sincerity of heart. The only true reward is not the esteem of human beings but the approval of the heavenly Father “who sees what is hidden” (v 18). What are our motivations in doing good works? Do we do them to be recognized by people? Do we strive to be faithful to our Christian life, not because others see us, but because we want to give honor and glory to our Father in heaven who is the Source of our being?

Gospel • Matthew 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.” *Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).*