2 Kings 2:1.6-14,
Psalm 31:20.21.24,
Matthew 6:1-6. 16- 18 Full Readings
Avoiding Hypocrisy
In today's Gospel, Jesus challenges us of hypocrisy when He says: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.” Matthew 6:1. He points out three fundamental Judaic virtues and actions (Prayer, alms giving and fasting) where hypocrisy is always shown and challenges us to do them not because we want to be recognised but because of our relationship with God who sees in secret.
Brethren, fasting, prayer and alms giving are three fundamental religious actions for a Christian and everyone ought to do them. Prayer builds and makes our relationship with God stronger and helps us to conquer the evil one, for when we pray the devil cannot overtake us.
Alms giving establishes our relationship with our neighbours and a sign of showing God's love and mercy to others. Fasting establishes the relationship with the self by giving us time to reflect on our lives and detaching from worldly pleasures. All these are good actions for a true Christian but brethren if they are done in a hypocritical way, we gain nothing.
We are therefore invited to reflect on our intentions of fasting, of praying and of giving alms. Brethren, what matters is the relationship between ourselves and our Father in heaven, expressed in these good works and extending the love of God to all with alms giving. If this is not our sole reason, then we might be like hypocrites who do them in a way of seeking recognition and approval.
However, it's not bad to be recognised and approved by others for our good works, in fact it's very important to be grateful and credit someone for doing good, but what Jesus is teaching is that we should do good works for the greater Glory of God and serving Him. Do good and good will speak by itself. When you spend time explaining and showing people that you have done good, then know that you have done nothing.
As human beings, seeking approval and recognition can easily fill our minds and even sometimes we do good to seek recognition even if we are not aware. Sometimes we are also swayed by what other people will think of us when we do good. Jesus teaches us to do good and only good, it is right and just, even if people might misunderstand it.
God is so close to us that every good work we do cannot go unnoticed and unrewarded by Him. When we pray alone in silence, fast without showing people, and give alms as well as doing good works without seeking attention and approval, God will surely reward us abundantly. Therefore, there is no need to worry about who will approve of you for doing good, God is so close to us and He is happy when we do good.
Reflect today on your intentions of doing good, of praying and of fasting. How much have you been influenced by fears of what people will say? How much have your choices and actions been driven by the desire to seek recognition and approval? Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you and me to avoid hypocrisy in any means possible.
Let us Pray.
Loving Father, help me always to do what is right and just not because of seeking fame and recognition but because it is right and just and helps me move to maturity in my spiritual life and my relationship with You my loving Father. Amen
Be blessed.
May God help me to avoid hypocrisy
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