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Almsgiving And Prayer (Mt. 6:1-8)

“[But] 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. In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him (Mt. 6:1-8)."

Almsgiving and prayer were a reflection of one’s relationship with God in ancient Israel and were essential elements of living a pious life.  One should not make a public showing of one’s almsgiving because that indicates that one is not doing it out of love of God or neighbor but for praise from others which will reap no spiritual reward.  There is no true righteousness in such actions.  

Prayer should be a sincere personal communion with God.  Since God knows what we need before we ask him, our prayer should be brief and done in private as it is for our benefit not God’s benefit.  Sincerity, simplicity, and the right intention are the hallmarks of true devotion which leads to intimacy with God.  

Almighty God, teach us to make our acts of almsgiving and prayer with true devotion and sincerity of heart so that our offerings may be used for the benefit of others.  Grant that the teachings of your Son bear fruit in our lives and our works through faith lead others to your kingdom.  This we pray through Christ our Lord.  Amen!

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References:

Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.

Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.

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