Be careful not to parade your good deeds before others

2 Kgs 2:1.6-14, Mt. 6:1-6.16-18. Today's readings challenge us to follow the Lord with genuine faith, doing everything with the focus on God and not on our ego and desire. We live our lives to serve God and give ourselves to His cause and in the end, the Lord shall glorify us with eternal life and true joy He has promised us. In today's Gospel, Jesus challenges us: “Be careful not to parade your good deeds before others to attract their notice.” Though in the same Sermon on the Mount, He seems to say the contrary: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven.” While there is surely a contrast between those two guidelines, there is a real value in each of them. We are not to hide the light of our faith, keeping it under a bushel by denying the reality of the presence of God and not be committed to Him. Rather, we should show our love for the Lord by the way we live our lives and the choices we make.

On the other hand, we need prudence in the way we display our piety without real commitment to our faith. Jesus enjoins us not to show off our almsgiving, prayer and fasting but allow our actions to express genuine intention. We are called to centre on God not for fame but out of sincere desire to return to God, to be reconciled with Him and follow Him. Today, Jesus invites us not to be swayed by the corrupting nature of power, worldly glory and fame, the allure of ambition and the greed for wealth and possessions. Instead, we are called to look forward to true glory, which the prophet Elijah showed us in today's first reading. Elijah was taken up into Heaven in a great flaming chariot, as witnessed by his successor, the prophet Elisha.

May the Lord strengthen our will to give up selfishness and let there be no limit to our faith, hope and endurance! Amen!! Stay safe and do have a pleasant day!!!