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Ash Wednesday



Gospel
Matthew 6:1-6,16-18
Your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you
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, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men’s admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But 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, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them; I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But 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 do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they pull long faces to let men know they are fasting. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But 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.’
Reflection:
In this passage, Jesus calls us to authenticity. Our spiritual acts—giving, praying, fasting—are meant to deepen our relationship with God, not to earn human praise. When we do these things quietly, without display, we acknowledge that God sees our hearts. The reward is not public admiration, but intimacy with the Father who knows our hidden intentions and loves us faithfully.

Question:
Where in my life am I tempted to seek recognition for my good deeds, rather than quietly offering them to God alone?

Prayer:
Loving Father,
help me to seek only your gaze,
to serve and pray in hidden ways,
knowing you see the heart you made.
May all I do be done for you. Amen.

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