“If you give something to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
so that your gift remains really secret. Your Father, who sees what is kept secret, will reward
you. When you pray, do not be like those who want to be noticed. They love to stand and
pray in the synagogues or on street corners, in order to be seen by everyone. I assure you,
they have their reward. When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your
Father who is with you in secret; and your Father who sees what is kept secret will reward you.
“When you fast, do not put on a miserable face, as do the hypocrites. They put on a gloomy
face, so that people can see they are fasting. I tell you this: they have been paid in full already.
When you fast, wash your face and make yourself look cheerful, because you are not fasting
for appearances or for people, but for your Father, who sees beyond appearances. And your
Father, who sees what is kept secret, will reward you.“
Reflect
It’s hard to be a background player, doing your part without fanfare and credit. It’s very human
to want to be noticed and affirmed for the work you do and the achievements you make. But
the life of a disciple is not geared to the spotlight. Our task is not to call attention to ourselves
but to the one who called and sent us – Jesus Christ. By doing what Jesus asks us to do, humbly
serving our brothers and sisters, we will not get the attention we may desire, but we will get
something far more valuable. God will reward us with the gift of eternal life. By giving of
ourselves wholeheartedly, we will grow closer to God, uniting more closely to his divine
love. God will give us all that we need and make our efforts bear abundant fruit. We will not
win awards and fame, but God’s love is more than enough for us.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023