right hand is doing, so that your gift remains really secret. Your Father, who sees what is kept secret, will reward you. When you pray, do not be like those who want
to be noticed. They love to stand and pray in the synagogues or on street corners in order to be seen by everyone. I assure you, they have their
reward. When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is with you in secret; and your Father who sees what is kept
secret will reward you. When you fast, do not put on a miserable face as do the hypocrites. They put on a gloomy face, so that people can see they are
fasting. I tell you this: they have been paid in full already. When you fast, wash your face and make yourself look cheerful, because you are not fasting
for appearances or for people, but for your Father who sees beyond appearances. And your Father, who sees what is kept secret, will reward you.
Reflection:
Spiritual activities are not meant for show. After all, they are done
to cultivate a personal relationship with God. Since it is personal, it is
between the believer and God. Hence those who make a show of their
piety is not concerned about the growth of their relationship with God
but their performance in front of others. They are focused on the outward
appearance that they lose track of the inner workings of God in their life. Thus
they miss the chance of knowing God better. They are too preoccupied with
themselves. God has no room in their lives.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2021