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Searching: Jun 19 2024
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.
“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by 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.
All Glory to God
Discipleship under Jesus requires a radical humility. The disciples are taught to not do as others do for personal notoriety or recognition, but to do everything in “secret.” In other words, they are not to pray, fast, or do good deeds for their own vanity, but practice these virtues because they bring glory to God overall.
Ministers (lay, religious, and ordained) who are truly called to serve the Lord, don’t expect to receive recognition or rewards. These humble ministers of faith feel a deep desire, as St. Ignatius did, to practice ministry, giving glory to the Father- to see God’s glory in all things. Jesus reminds us that doing the Lord’s work is not for personal gain or fame, but for the Kingdom of God and his glory.
As you move through this day, notice where you “secretly” bring God glory.
—Tammy Vidrine, MRE, is a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, a facilitator of workshops, retreats, women’s pilgrimages, a ministry and theology educator for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, and a certified spiritual director.
Prayer
Lord, help my desires to be your desires.
Form my heart to seek only what will bring you glory.
Amen.
—Tammy Vidrine