Matthew 6:1-4
Hear the gold coins jingling and jangling in the rich man’s money bag. Trumpets blowing in the streets and then in the synagogue. The “righteous” man is giving his alms---presenting his gift of money to be used for the poor. He is trying to draw other’s attention to himself, saying “honor me for taking care of those poor, poor people.” Look at me---I “care” for them. But Jesus says the rich man will have his reward in full---you should give your alms in secret and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
How do you help take care of the poor, the needy? Do you do it secretly? Beware of practicing your righteous acts before men. That’s hard in our society today to be totally anonymous, but we need to not make a “to do” of giving. Let your light shine, but not your checkbook! Give above and beyond your excess---and without considering or expecting the “reward” that God the Father will secretly give you. Filling other’s mouths will give you a full heart. As you sit at your table today is your stomach growling? Consider how the truly hungry always feel that emptiness.
Thank you God for the bounty You provide for us. Help us to reach out to those in need, physically and spiritually.
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