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Do not show off



June 17

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

- Jesus calls us to authenticity in our spiritual practices: generosity, prayer, and fasting should be done for God’s eyes, not human praise. When motives are aligned with love for God, the fullness of grace is received in secret, and that is where true reward stems from.

- The passage challenges the danger of outward show: acts done to impress others lose their value before God. Hidden devotion cultivates humility, integrity, and a relationship rooted in intimate trust with the Father.

Practical takeaway: cultivate daily habits that honor God quietly—give generously without fanfare, pray sincerely in your own space, and fast with a simple, dignified heart. Let your inner fidelity be the witness more than any outward display.



Reflection Question

 In what area of your spiritual life might you be tempted to seek human approval, and how can you reframe that practice to seek only God’s approval today?

Prayer

Lord, help me to seek Your applause above all else. Guide my heart to give, pray, and fast with sincerity and humility, knowing that You see what is done in secret and will reward what is truly faithful. Grow in me a quiet faith that trusts Your grace, and let my actions be sincere expressions of love for You. Amen.

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