Day 18 - Whose Interest?

22 February 2012, Wednesday – Lent Begins

Gospel: Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Almsgiving, Prayer and Fasting

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 the 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

Today’s readings and psalm highlight one message – turn your heart and life back to God wholeheartedly. All that we do to portray a desired image of ourselves for others to see are nothing in God’s eyes; He looks at our heart’s intent. Therefore, our focus must shift from the exterior to our interior selves, where our deeds become a constant private and loving response to God, with whom we are immersed in relationship.

As the psalmist sang, ‘A pure heart create for me, O God.’

What are the things you knowingly and unknowingly do to serve your own interests?