On the Mount of Beatitudes, Jesus teaches his listeners not to imitate the hypocrites when giving alms.

Those people use acts of charity to popularize their names. They give to serve themselves. Jesus also teaches that when they fast, they should not imitate the hypocrites who look sad, to publicize how pious they are, to gain “pogi” points and gain leverage.

Hypocrites take away what belongs to God—praises and thanksgiving. We, humans, are only stewards of God’s gifts. What we give to others is not ours, but God’s. In the same way, when we deny ourselves of food and drink, we must watch our motivation. Our motive should be none other than deepening our spiritual life. If we do pious practices with a pure motivation, blessed are we.

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 be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”