Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:1-6

1 “Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. If you do these things publicly, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven.

2 “So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it, as the hypocrites do in the houses of worship and on the streets. They do it so that people will praise them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 

3 But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. 

4 Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.

5 “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 

6 But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.

Reflection:

“So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it.”

Help someone because the Holy Spirit is in you, not just because you want to receive praise from other people. Do not use others for you to be honored. If you pity someone and wants to give him some help, make it a secret. Do not tell it to anybody or make it a big thing as a praise for yourself. Remember how God gives his blessings to us, He gives it through someone or something. It is hidden that some cannot recognize it and forget that all the blessings come from the Father.

They did not recognize it at first but they will surely do sometime in their life. If you are willing to help someone and it really comes from your heart, you should not expect a reward or even thanksgiving. Help someone or do something not just because of what you are going to receive, but do it for the glory of the Father. God will be the one to give you reward for everything you have done for His glory and when that time comes you will realize that everything you have done is not enough for you to receive his reward (the eternal life).