March 5, 2025
Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18
In Today’s gospel Jesus reminds us to keep the right focus as we take up our Lenten practices. He challenges us to look to God rather than to others for approval; to resist the urge to pat ourselves on the back, or to seek praise. In addition, Jesus may be calling us this Lent to go deeper in our relationship with God and others.
This Lent, maybe we can give more generously in welcoming those who challenge us or in standing up for those whose ideas make the group uncomfortable.
Jesus tells us not to be like the hypocrites (actors), but to be sincere in our religious practices. Perhaps we are called to make this Lent a more soulful time. Instead of living on the surface, we might move deeper into our devotions. Instead of saying prayers, why not converse with God, taking time to listen to God’s response even if it is only silence? When we ask how someone is doing, let’s really listen to the answer, even if it is hard to hear.
When we fast, we are called not to focus on our hunger but to see the hungers in our world and to respond in some way. When we feel the tug of pride that we are keeping Lent, or the reality of disappointment that we are not doing so well, we might consider the bigger picture, laugh at ourselves and move on.
Let’s celebrate Lent this year by almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, hand in hand with Jesus our Savior.
Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18
Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”
“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Meet Sister Marilyn Pechillo, SNDdeN
