21 June 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections

TOPIC: DO I ACT SOLELY TO PLEASE GOD?

First Reading: 2Corinthians 9: 6-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 112: 1bc-2, 3-4, 9
Alleluia: John 14: 23
Gospel: Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus said to his disciples to take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them, otherwise, they can expect no recompense from their heavenly Father. Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others. Alongside the radical purification brought about by baptism or martyrdom, they cite as means of obtaining forgiveness of sins the following; efforts at reconciliation with one's neighbor, a concern for the salvation of one's neighbor tears of repentance, the intercession of the saints, and practicing charity which covers a multitude of sins.

Almsgiving, praying, and fasting were also expected of the pious Jew in Jesus' time and we see Him focusing on how these become useless when done based on selfish motivations. The Lord was very particular on examining the personal intentions of those who perform these actions so that these will be truly pleasing to God.

When Jesus addresses almsgiving, prayer and fasting, he urges us to turn away from ourselves and see the wider picture. In this passage, Jesus is not criticizing these practices, He is asking us to examine our motivation in doing them. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are only a means to an end. In fact Jesus is effectively saying that whatever we do, it should bring us ever closer to God.

This is the 1165th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery,