Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Friends, in today’s reading, Jesus cautions the crowd not to practice their righteousness to be seen by people. He tells his listeners to give, pray, and fast in secret.
Jesus talked to a religious community that placed a high value on acts of righteousness and spirituality. The community honored and encouraged individuals to engage in good works, which was a good thing. However, because it is human nature to seek honor, it became too easy to do good deeds to impress others. Rather than intently pursuing God who would give them their significance, they enslaved themselves to the praises of other humans.
We live, work, and play in communities that value goodness, righteousness, and charity. But when our praying, going to church, giving to the poor, feeding the hungry, helping others are motivated by seeking self-honor, we have missed the point of goodness. Our righteousness turned inward becomes self-righteousness.
Jesus gives us the antidote. Do our good deeds in such secrecy that even we don’t boast it to ourselves. As that practice transforms us, our hearts would move closer and closer to the Source of our significance for which it yearns. We would store up treasure in heaven.
Reflection by Keith Tan
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