Daily Reflection – 2/14/2024
Sacred Scripture
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, 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. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 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. 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.” (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18)
Reflection
O, K., we must admit that we have all been in this space. It’s when we know of neighbors or friends who talk the talk of Christianity but don’t walk the walk. They make a point of using whatever external symbols exist to signal their devotion including attending every Church event whether it be a celebration of Christ in our lives or a parish potluck.
And that is why today’s scripture is so important. Jesus asks us to examine the authenticity of our faith life with His father. He reminds us that often our human frailty obscures what God expects of us. Sometimes we get too caught up in the preoccupation with looking good and seeking praise from others.
We don’t have to impress God. Nor do we need to hide from God. He knows every virtue and every fault we have. He loves is for who we are – His son or daughter.
Our true relationship with him blooms when we seek him out, as we are. He wants us to develop an inner life of prayer and communication with him. He wants us to know his desire for our life. He wants us to explore a loving relationship with him. Above all, he wants to draw us closer to him. It is the process of drawing close to him that we can be who we are. Asking him for the strength to walk truly as a follower of His way. Asking him to use our individual gifts so that we can live a life that draws others to him as well.
He doesn’t ask us to live apart from the world but he does expect us to “flavor” the world through our presence. (as a dedicated lover of chocolate, that phrase hits home with me)
When we are in communion with him, we see ourselves as we truly are. It is in our inner beauty that we come into contact with him.
When we give our hearts to God, we can’t help but give our hearts to each other.
We are spiritual for God not people. We serve to please God not to get recognition. We can bluff a human audience and people will think we are genuine. They watch us give, pray, serve and they say “Wow, here is a committed Christian!” But if we are bluffing, God is not fooled. God can see right through our fake modesty and generosity, through our spiritual showiness.
What God desires is honesty, integrity, heart-felt commitment. God desires generosity, conversation, and spiritual practices that flow from our deep commitment to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
You and I do! Knowing that, I think it’s time that we step out and flavor the world with our love of God.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord Jesus, give me a lively faith, a firm hope, a fervent charity, and a great love for you. Take from me all lukewarmness in meditating on your word, and dullness in prayer. Give me fervor and delight in thinking of you and your grace. Fill my heart with compassion for others, especially those in need, that I may respond with generosity.
Daily Note
What is the sure reward which Jesus points out to his disciples? It is communion with God our Father. In him alone we find the fullness of life and happiness, truth and beauty, love and joy. Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) wrote the following prayer in his Confessions: “When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrows or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete.”
The Lord rewards those who seek him with humble and repentant hearts. He renews us each day and he gives us new hearts of love and compassion that we may serve him and our neighbor with glad and generous hearts.
