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.
When we do good and don't receive acknowledgment how do we take it? Times like this are good indicators of how we're doing in this regard. How much is our charity really driven and fueled by pride? For most of us it is probably the majority rather than less. The idea of giving in secret is difficult. The idea of fasting without drawing attention to ourselves is tough. Praying without the need to be seen as a particularly devout and prayerful person is tough. Without pride to fuel us we often fall back on grudging obligation. How can we overcome this problem? We need to remember that there is one who always sees, acknowledges, and receives our efforts. He is the one who loves us before we even begin.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
The Father loves cheerful givers. He is able to give us all we need for all the good works he prepares for us. There is such an abundance that we don't need pride or obligation to motivate us anymore.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you,
so that in all things, always having all you need,
you may have an abundance for every good work.
People can see when we are enriched with this generosity. They are used to the pride and self-image that usually pass as love. They can't help but be moved when they see the real thing. It isn't our reward when that happens. Our reward is with the Father. But still, realizing this kind of love is possible helps the world to change.
You are being enriched in every way for all generosity,
which through us produces thanksgiving to God.
Let us remember that our Father sees in secret. Let us learn to receive the grace he gives to love for his sake.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
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