Wednesday 11th Week Ordinary Time Mass and Reflections

Mass readings for today are here

Gospel 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.

 










Images above and below by Peter Clare from here

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.”

Jesus as always draws attention to the motives behind action. 

The point here isn't so much a choice between public or private prayer but whether it is heartfelt or hypocritical prayer.

In the video below the Benedictine monks of Santo Domingo de Silos beautifully chant while the video gives an explanation of the inner secret room where we pray.

Today I am reminded of and am ever thankful for the value of all those unseen people, monks and nuns who are praying unceasingly for the needs of the world behind closed doors.