Date: Wednesday of the11th Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture Text: 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."
Breaking the text open – background and summary:
Today’s gospel reading continues our reading of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Today’s text focuses on the authenticity of our spiritual exercises, our spiritual endeavors.
Meditating on the text with personal questions:
What is my motive for the good that I do? Is it about joining my efforts to the LORD’s will for love of the LORD or about impressing others?
Praying:
LORD, You are truth itself. Created in your image and likeness, we are called to be authentic, to be genuinely loving in our actions and our words. Send your Spirit to kindle in us the purifying fire of your love that not only fuels us but refines us. Grant that we may live lives that bring You glory for love of You. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, “the Way and the Truth and the Life,” who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.
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