Foundational practices of our faith enshrined in our love for the Lord our God are prayer, fasting and almsgiving all in humble servitude.
What good are all our acts of faith, love and charity if done for want of love from men, women and children? If all are done yet there is no growth in depth of love for God and of brethren? Giving even that little bit begrudgingly when there is more than one collection at Mass. Think of it why would the Parish do this if there was not indeed a real need? Sharing only with very ‘close’ friends what you have been doing for others yet citing discreetly why you do not share this fact with everyone;simply because we must not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing!
God our Father sees and knows everything, He sees into our hearts. He Blesses abundantly those who give with all of their hearts for love of Him and of brethren. For He knows that disciples of His Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus love and serve Him for His greater Glory. Amen
First reading
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 †
There is no limit to the blessings which God can send you
Do not forget: thin sowing means thin reaping; the more you sow, the more you reap. Each one should give what he has decided in his own mind, not grudgingly or because he is made to, for God loves a cheerful giver. And there is no limit to the blessings which God can send you – he will make sure that you will always have all you need for yourselves in every possible circumstance, and still have something to spare for all sorts of good works. As scripture says: He was free in almsgiving, and gave to the poor: his good deeds will never be forgotten.
The one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide you with all the seed you want and make the harvest of your good deeds a larger one, and, made richer in every way, you will be able to do all the generous things which, through us, are the cause of thanksgiving to God.
Gospel
Matthew 6:1-6,16-18
Your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men’s admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
‘And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them; I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
‘When you fast do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they pull long faces to let men know they are fasting. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.’
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