Do not blow a horn before you in Synagogues and streets

2 Cor. 9:6-11, Mt. 6:1-6.16-18. In today's first reading, Paul challenges us to make good use of the gift of God so that we may truly be fruitful and bountiful in God. However, we must put God as the focus of our generosity and not ourselves. Jesus added in today's Gospel, that a level of discreet should be maintained. Jesus tells us that the reason for our praying, fasting and giving alms should not be to draw attention to ourselves: "Your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Mt 6:1:18). We are called to practice generosity because it is right, not to be loved or praised, or remembered by posterity. Jesus asserts: “Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing”, simply put; stay anonymous rather than seek to be celebrities.

Paul reaffirms that the more we give to others, the more we ourselves will have: “Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously.” Here, he echoes the maxim of Proverbs (11:24-25): “Some give freely, yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want. A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.” Jesus went further to use a graphic image to promote anonymous benevolence: "Do not blow a horn before you in synagogues and streets, looking for applause.” He proposes a low-key approach to almsgiving, so that we do it anonymously. Anonymous giving is praised, where the only witness is God “who sees in secret.” Another way, Paul suggests, is to give so cheerfully that we find joy in giving, just as others receive our gift.

May the Lord help us to overcome all things by love so that there would be no limit to our faith, hope and endurance! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!