The Hypocrites

Jesus said to his disciples, ""Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, to do blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to 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 almsgiving may be secret. And your heavenly Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you." 

Consideration: Jesus, once again, explains to us that we must conduct our private and public lives without the appearance of pride. Our Father in heaven sees all things, and those who do works to be noticed by others, will not be rewarded by the Father. Humility, in prayer and all forms of generosity are seen by the Father, and he will repay us for our sincerity and love shown to him and to others.

The world, today, is drowning in pride, selfishness, and most of all hypocrisy. Let us pray to our Father, to receive from the Holy Spirit the grace of humility, that we may do his will, and be pleasing our Father. Amen.