Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Matthew 6: 1-6. 16-18

June 17, 2026 | Tuesday

Today’s Gospel 

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 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.

 Today’s Reflection

Nowadays, when people ask for assistance, they immediately go to social media and post their concerns online. Likewise, some also gain widespread attention because of their good deeds. In today’s language, they go viral. Being viral means being praised and applauded by the online community. However, Jesus cautions us about our behaviors when we do charitable works. When we do good, our intentions must be clear.

Jesus discourages us to make a show of our good deeds and to prefer pleasing God alone rather than go viral. For him, human praise is self-seeking, especially when we crave for it. God sees all our deeds including our motivations. Therefore, if there is one thing we should desire, it should be the reward that comes from God, not from men.

/Vulnerasti, 2026