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Gospel Reading for June 17, 2026 – Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18
A PRECIOUS GIFT
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. 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.”
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It is a waste of time to do things merely for appearances—to make others think that we are good, pious, religious, generous, or virtuous. We may succeed in convincing others, but we can never deceive ourselves. Deep within, we know our true motives. As a result, we may feel empty and dissatisfied, and our confidence in ourselves can gradually diminish. If left unchecked, this emptiness can lead us to believe that our lives lack meaning or value, and worse, may lead to depression and anxiety.
Life is fleeting, and the time we are given on earth is A PRECIOUS GIFT. To use that gift well is a way of expressing our gratitude to God who gave it to us. When we live with sincerity, integrity, and purpose, we experience a deeper sense of fulfillment, contentment, and inner peace. We gain confidence not because of the praise of others, but because we know we are living according to the truth.
Lord Jesus, may we always uphold the truth in whatever we do and wherever we may be. May our words, actions, and intentions reflect sincerity of heart and a genuine desire to serve you!
