3/5/2025 (Ash Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples:
1 “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
2 When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
4 so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
5 “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
6 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.
16 “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.
17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
18 so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

3/5/2025 (Ash Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

In a world that constantly seeks recognition and approval, Jesus calls His followers to a different way of life — a life centered on seeking God’s approval rather than the applause of people. He warns against practicing righteousness for the sake of being seen by others. He specifically addresses three spiritual disciplines: giving, praying, and fasting. These are essential to a believer’s relationship with God, but their true power lies in the sincerity of the heart rather than in public display.

The Heart of Giving
Jesus teaches that when we give to those in need, we should not announce it with trumpets like the hypocrites do in the synagogues and streets. Instead, we are to give in secret, trusting that our Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward us.

This challenges the culture of self-promotion, where even acts of kindness are sometimes done for recognition. But God desires a heart that gives out of love, not for applause. True generosity is not about making a name for ourselves but about glorifying God and blessing others.

When we give without seeking recognition, we reflect the heart of Christ, who gave His life selflessly for us. God, in His goodness, will reward us in ways far greater than human praise.

The Power of Private Prayer
Jesus also teaches about prayer, warning against praying for public recognition. Some people in His time would stand in the synagogues and on street corners, praying loudly to impress others. But Jesus tells His followers to go into their rooms, close the door, and pray in secret.

God is not impressed by eloquent words or public displays of devotion. He is moved by a humble heart that seeks Him sincerely. While public prayer has its place in the Christian community, it should never be about showing off spirituality. True prayer is an intimate conversation with God, where we pour out our hearts and listen to His voice.

A strong prayer life is not built on performance but on a deep, personal relationship with the Father. He sees our hearts, knows our needs, and rewards those who seek Him with sincerity.

Fasting with a Pure Heart
Fasting is another spiritual discipline that Jesus addresses. He warns against fasting with a gloomy face to appear righteous before others (v. 16). Instead, He instructs His followers to anoint their heads and wash their faces, so that only God and not people will see their sacrifice.

Fasting is meant to be a time of drawing closer to God, humbling ourselves, and seeking His will. It is not about impressing others with our devotion. When we fast with a pure heart, God sees our sacrifice and rewards us in ways that go beyond human recognition.

Living for God’s Glory
At the heart of Jesus’ message in the Gospel reading above is the reminder that our acts of righteousness should be for God alone. Seeking human approval is temporary; the praise of people fades quickly. But when we live for God’s glory, our reward is eternal.

This challenges us to examine our motives. Do we serve, give, pray, and fast to please God, or to impress others? Are we more concerned about what people think or about what God sees in our hearts?

When we shift our focus from human praise to God’s approval, we find freedom. We no longer need to strive for recognition or validation from others. Instead, we can rest in the assurance that God sees us, loves us, and will reward our faithfulness in ways beyond what we can imagine.

Let us live each day with the desire to honor God in secret, trusting that He, who sees all, will bless us in ways that truly matter.

Go here to read further Gospel reflection.