Listen

“Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

“Whenever you give to the poor, don’t blow your trumpet as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may get praise from people. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that you may give to the poor in secret. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.”

Matthew 6:1-4

Think

Have you heard the phrase “it’s the thought that counts”? Normally, this expression means that the value of an action is not only measured by the result, but also by the intention behind it. That’s why, for Jesus, the motivation with which we do things is fundamental. If we help someone just to receive praise, or if we pray so others will admire our spirituality, we will be resembling the hypocritical people we sometimes criticize in church.

If our actions are driven by the love of God and reflect the humility of Christ, we will not need recognition, because we will be acting out of gratitude and not out of self-interest. The real reward comes from God. Trust God and keep doing good, without worrying about what other people think.

Marissa Galván-Valle

Question to Ponder:

How can you learn to serve with a sincere heart?

Pray

Lord, help me to do good without seeking applause. May my actions reflect your love and not my pride. Teach me to live for you and not for the approval of others. Amen.

Go

Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

God’s forgiveness fills us with peace.

When you go out, share that peace with others.