Don't Be Hypocrites: A Gospel Reflection

It's Wednesday and I went to daily Mass at St. Pio, a highlight of days when I don’t have to go to work. 

The Gospel reading was one often heard at the beginning of Lent, and yet its message is timeless. And as always,  challenging. 

Jesus says:

“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... 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.”

 (Matthew 6:1–4)

“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 others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

 (Matthew 6:16–18)

At the heart of this teaching is a warning against hypocrisy. The Greek word for "hypocrite" literally means actor. In today’s social media world, we often play roles. We perform, not for heaven, but for our followers, for the camera, for applause. We want the world to see the good we’re doing, to admire our sacrifice, our kindness, our piety.

And when questioned, we often reply, “It’s to glorify God.” But is it? If we’re honest, sometimes that answer is a mask. That, too, is a form of hypocrisy. When our self-glorification outweighs our desire to honor God, we stop representing Him, we start representing ourselves.

My prayer is that we may live sincerely and humbly. That when we say we’re doing something for God, it is truly for Him, without seeking human praise, without broadcasting it to the world. May our lives be quiet offerings of love, not public performances. There is a place for acting, and there is a place for God. Let’s strive to make sure our hearts are set on the latter.

That was what I gathered at Mass today. 

God bless you, and have a wonderful day.

Pal Ronnie