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Theo Tigno•
6/16/2004 12:01 pm
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Wednesday, June 16th 2004 |
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
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."
Dawg's thought:
Today's prayer intention is for an increase in religious vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Can you imagine what it would be like to be a celebrity? Sometimes, when a celebrity gets caught for something they shouldn't be doing that could damage their image, they are off to "clean up" their image (charity work, talk shows, etc). For them, the desire to keep their image clean is so much greater than the desire to keep their soul clean.
As Christians, we can get caught up in the same thing. As "spiritual" celebrities, we can get caught up in praying for the sake of keeping up an image for others to see. We can go to church for the sake of being noticed as someone who is good and does the right thing. We can have religious items all around your living space so that others think that you're pious.
Contrary to the way of our world, image is NOT everything. Our Lord is not concerned with how much you try to elevate yourself above others through your pious actions. Our Lord is concerned with your soul, and how you are working at purifying your heart so that you may see Him in all His glory. That is the joy Our Father wants to repay you with, and that is greater than any adulation we will receive here on this earth. Take care and God Bless.
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