Daily Reflection – 6/19/2024
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
It’s part of the human condition to want to be liked, to feel needed, and to know that we matter. Have you ever had that nagging sense that you just aren’t enough? Or spent time comparing yourself and competing with others? How much is your worth tied to what others say or think about you? These experiences reveal our desire to be seen, valued, and loved. They also disclose what we treasure and to whom we have given our hearts.
Today’s Gospel, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18, asks us to see our relationship with God differently. It’s an opportunity to discover that who we are in God—not in the eyes, opinions, or approval of others—is who we most truly are. This is the first step in our spiritual journey.
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 6:1
Our true relationship with God blooms when we seek Him out as we are. He wants us to develop an inner life of prayer and communication with Him. He desires for us to know His will for our lives and to explore a loving relationship with Him. Above all, He wants to draw us closer to Him.
When we draw near to God, we can be who we truly are. We ask Him for the strength to walk as followers of His way and to use our individual gifts to draw others to Him as well. In this process, we don’t live apart from the world; instead, we “flavor” the world through our presence.
Have you ever spoken or acted in a particular way just to gain someone’s approval? I have. It’s a struggle many of us face. But the more I sought God in my true form, the more I realized His unconditional love for me. This realization lifted a heavy burden off my shoulders—I no longer felt the need to pretend or impress. Instead, I found comfort in being loved for who I am.
When we are in communion with God, we see ourselves as we truly are. It is in our inner beauty that we encounter Him. Giving our hearts to God leads us to give our hearts to others. This communal love enhances not only our relationship with God but also our relationships with those around us.
We don’t have to impress or hide from God. He knows us completely and loves us unconditionally. By seeking Him as we are, we cultivate a genuine relationship that transforms our lives and those around us. Let’s ask God for the strength to walk in His way, using our gifts to draw others closer to Him.
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
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. Do you want to grow in your love for God and for your neighbor? Seek him out expectantly in prayer and in generous giving of yourself to those around you.
