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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.” Matthew 6:1
Authenticity draws others in. A person who lives with genuine
humility and virtue naturally inspires trust. In contrast,
hypocrisy—an outward display of righteousness without interior
virtue, done for human approval rather than for God—breeds distrust
and repels others. In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls His disciples not
to seek human recognition, but the quiet approval of the Father.
True holiness is not performed for others to see but lived in the
hidden presence of God, who sees and rewards what is done in
secret.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus highlights three essential
religious practices—almsgiving, prayer, and fasting—to contrast
authentic righteousness with hypocrisy. The “hypocrites” He
addresses—the scribes, Pharisees, and other religious leaders—had
transformed these sacred acts into performances, prioritizing human
recognition over devotion to God.
When the hypocrites gave alms, they would “blow a trumpet” before
them, symbolically announcing their generosity. While it is
unlikely that the Pharisees literally sounded a trumpet when giving
alms, Jesus uses this metaphor to expose their interior
disposition—one focused on self-glorification rather than genuine
charity. Just as a herald’s trumpet blast announces an important
decree, these leaders ensured their charitable acts drew maximum
attention.
In contrast, Jesus teaches the proper way to give alms: “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 6:3–4). Jesus employs
exaggerated language to drive home His point. The phrase “do not
let your left hand know what your right is doing” is a striking
metaphor for absolute humility in charity. Almsgiving should be
done with such purity of heart that it seeks neither public
recognition nor bolsters personal pride, but is done solely for the
glory of God.
Similarly, when the hypocrites prayed, they loved to position
themselves “in the synagogues and on street corners so that others
may see them.” Their concern was not communion with God but public
recognition. Such a display is more an act of self-exhibition than
true prayer. In contrast, Jesus teaches that authentic prayer takes
place in “your inner room” where one prays to the Father in secret.
This metaphor underscores the true purpose of prayer: not to be
seen by others but to enter into genuine, intimate communion with
God (cf. Matthew 6:5–6).
Finally, Jesus points out that when hypocrites fast, they
deliberately “look gloomy” and “neglect their appearance” to ensure
that others take notice. Their fasting is not a sacrifice to God
but a display for human admiration. In contrast, true fasting
should be hidden, undertaken in a spirit of self-denial—not to
impress others, but to curb disordered appetites and offer a humble
sacrifice to the Father.
Jesus emphasizes that the hypocrites’ approach to these three
practices produces only fleeting rewards: “Amen, I say to you, they
have received their reward.” Their “reward” is hollow and
passing—the admiration of others impressed by their outward
display—and bears no merit before God. Only humble and authentic
almsgiving, prayer, and fasting bear eternal fruit, drawing us
deeper into God’s grace and securing a reward that endures in His
Kingdom.
Reflect today on the authenticity of your spiritual practices. Are
you content with God alone seeing your good deeds? While we ought
not hide our devotion out of fear or embarrassment, we must ensure
our motives remain pure—seeking only God’s glory and others’ good.
Strive to be humble, authentic, and sincere in all you do, and your
Father will see your goodness and bless you with His eternal
rewards.
Most glorious Lord, You alone are worthy of all glory, honor,
and praise. I am but Your humble servant, blessed to share in Your
life and mission. Purify my intentions and grant me the grace to
act always with sincerity and pure devotion. Jesus, I trust in
You.
Image: Sermon on the Mount By Ivan Makarov
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