Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
“So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Grace Grows in What is Hidden
Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel challenge us to confront a subtle temptation that often accompanies us: the desire to be seen. Jesus then redirects our gaze inward, toward that hidden place where God meets us without any pretense.
This Gospel invites us to a life that is unified and authentic. The life of a disciple springs from intimacy with God, not from applause. Prayer, fasting, and sharing become transformative when they arise from love rather than the desire to be seen.
All over the world, people serve quietly in forgotten places: they accompany migrants, teach children, care for the sick, and defend human dignity. Much of this work remains unseen. Yet God sees. And often, grace grows most deeply in what is hidden.
Today might be a good time to ask ourselves: what part of my spiritual life needs less pretense and more truth before God?
—Robenson Siquitte, SJ, is a member of the Jesuits of the Canada and Haiti Province and currently serves with American Jesuits International (AJI) in Washington, D.C.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to seek you more than recognition.
Purify my intentions and help me to love, pray, and serve with a sincere heart.
May my inner life be rooted solely in your presence.
Amen.
—Robenson Siquitte, SJ