Jesus said to his disciples: "Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."
REFLECTION
"And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."
A mother wakes up early to make breakfast, school lunches and all that is needed for her children before they leave for school. A father works long hours and sacrifices so that his family is fed, well educated and have a nice home with a roof over their heads. A neighbor mows his neighbor's yard without bragging or telling them about it. A parishioner washes the liturgical linens, cleans the priest’s home, does their laundry and cooks for them without charge. A priest goes out of his way following up on a sick parishioner, or visits them even if he is overwhelmed with work and fatigue. If there is applause for their work one cannot hear it but the good Lord is very much aware of what they do. Their prayers, fasting, almsgiving and their “going above and beyond” to help someone else is always seen by God.
We are to trust Him and in all we do for Him.
We are accustomed to hearing of “said person” who donated millions of dollars for flooded victims, or people who needed help. The press is told of this and they publicize so all know how much and who donated. The world celebrates those who attract attention, receive awards and have followers. But Jesus tells us that the value of a good deed is not found in how many people witness it, but in the love with which it was done.
St Therese of Lisieux believed that small acts of love done quietly could transform the whole world; St Theresa of Calcutta reminded her sisters that the joy they give to God when doing small things far surpasses doing great deeds. The Missionaries of Charity do not like to publicize or have photos taken of ways they help the poor.
May we seek not the applause of the world but the smile of God, remembering that “your father who sees in secret will repay you” (Matthew 6:4)
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