Daily Word Of God
Matthew 6:1, 3-4, 6, 17-18
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
‘And when you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
‘When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- Jesus singles out prayer, fasting, and almsgiving because these practices help us to die to ourselves and go beyond focusing on our needs to the needs of others.
- Jesus also warns about using such religious practices to seek self-glory. Instead, they are meant to help us to be more focused on God, and our relationship with Him.
- Once we are able to seek the Lord sincerely and faithfully, then we can be sure that His Compassionate Love will see us through all our needs especially in times of trials.