Daily Word Of God
Matthew 6:1, 3-4, 6, 17-18
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
‘And when you pray, go to your private room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
‘When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- Jesus is aware of the human tendency to seek praise and recognition, that is why in today’s Gospel passage, Jesus reminds His listeners to guard against this.
- In all that we do, may we do so with a pure motivation, i.e. out of love for the One who first loved us and who created everyone else out of the same love.
- How often have we ourselves sought the praise of others? Let us always think, say and do all things out of love of God.