Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Mt 6: 1-6. 16-18
June 21, 2023 | Wednesday
Be careful not to make a show of your good deeds before people. If you do so, you do not gain anything from your Father in heaven. When you give something 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 re ward 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.
Today’s Reflection:
Many mediocre people believe that their mediocrity is a trait that helps them avoid unnecessary hassles and burdens. However, these people are called mediocre because they give less when they can give more; or because their motivations are lower than the height of the expectations that they can actually fulfill. Such an attitude impedes a person’s growth when supposedly, there is still more room for them to grow. Moreover, mediocrity is not something that is discouraged solely in the pursuit of worldly goals. Jesus reminds us not to be mediocre in our spiritual growth as well. One must not limit one’s generosity when he can still do more. One’s motivations for doing good must not only be limited to pleasing people in this world but ultimately for God who rules over all. /Vulnerasti, 2023
