to the poor, do not have it trumpeted before you, as do those who want to be noticed in the
synagogues and in the streets, in order to be praised by people. I assure you, they have their
reward. If you give something to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your 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 puton 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.
Reflect
Today we begin Lent, a season to re-commit ourselves to our baptismal commitment and to
prepare our hearts for Easter through acts of penance, especially prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
The word “Lent” comes from an Old English word meaning springtime and this is what Lent should
be for us. In the spring, farmers prepare and plant their fields. They will tend those fields with care
over the long summer, looking forward to the harvest.
In the same way we can use Lent to prepare our souls. We fast to remove the obstacles that
keep us from sharing Christ’s mission like a farmer removes stones that might hinder his planting.
We give alms to help unite our hearts with the less fortunate, as a farmer gently plants and nourishes
the seeds. We pray that we may know God’s will and have the courage to pursue it, as a farmer
conditions the soil to receive the seeds.
If we use this season to prepare our souls, our hearts, and our lives, we can come to easter ready to
live more fully our baptismal call to follow Christ and to share in the harvest banquet of heaven.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023