Gospel: Matthew 6: 1 – 6, 16 – 18
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 be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
Reflection:
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Lenten season. It is a time to recall the priority of God in our lives: that we come from him and go to him, and that he is the companion of our lives.
In the Gospel today, Jesus reminds us of the three “hall-marks” of genuine religion: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Lent is a very personal journey in the company of Jesus.
If we entrust ourselves totally to the Lord during Lent, we can be sure that this will make a difference for the better in our lives.