We are indeed a messy lot most of us. We can be very calculative and if it is not about money then it is what we can get in return. Then also there is the insatiable desire for honour and recognition under perhaps the guise of a modest, humble exterior. Most of the troubles many have are either self created or imposed on others through squabbling, back biting and Gossip!
All this happens when we are disconnected from our Vine, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! When we do not remain in grounded in His mercy, love and charity. Afterall did the Lord our God count the cost of saving us all from sin and death? He who was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and accepting the state of a man. He humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, even the death of the Cross.
Lord grant me a heart after Yours, take away from me all pettiness, fault finding and self-seeking glory. Wash away all pretence, self-pity and prejudice. Teach me to be self giving, generous and kind. Let me grow in Your love. 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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