Righteousness to be seen by the others and to be seen by God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Eleventh Week:  Wednesday*

*Gospel :  Mt 6:1-6, 16-18*

*First Reading : 2 Kings 2: 1, 6-14*

*Responsorial Psalm : 31: 20-24*

*Righteousness to be seen by the others and to be seen by God*

*1) To be seen by others vs. to be seen by God*

*A) To be seen by others*

This means: Seeking praise, admiration, or approval. Measuring our worth by how people respond. Performing goodness as a kind of display.

Examples:

Giving charity mainly to gain a reputation for generosity.

Serving in church mainly to be noticed.

Posting every act of kindness to receive compliments.

Praying in a way that impresses others rather than expressing love for God.

The reward is immediate: human praise. Jesus says that if praise is what we seek, then praise is all we receive.

*B) To be seen by God* 

This means: Acting out of love, faith, and obedience. Trusting that God knows what is in the heart.  Being content even when no one notices.

Examples:

Helping someone anonymously.

Praying sincerely when nobody sees.

Doing one's duty faithfully without recognition.

Forgiving someone even though no one knows the struggle involved.

The reward is deeper: communion with God, growth in character, inner freedom, and God's approval.

*2) The hidden life matters*

Modern culture encourages visibility. Social media often pushes us to display achievements, opinions, generosity, and even spirituality.

Jesus reminds us that some of the most important things happen where nobody is watching: hidden sacrifices, private prayer, unseen acts of kindness, silent perseverance.

God sees what the world overlooks.

*3) Examine the intention behind good actions*

A useful question is: "If nobody knew I did this, would I still do it?"

If the answer is yes, the action is probably rooted in love. If the answer is no, we may be seeking recognition more than goodness itself.

*4) Freedom from the need for approval*

Many people spend enormous energy trying to be liked, admired, or validated.

Matthew 6:1 invites us into freedom:

We do not have to perform for others.

We do not have to build a spiritual image.

We can rest in the fact that God already knows us completely.

When God's approval becomes central, human approval loses its power.

*5) Authenticity is more important than appearance*

Jesus frequently criticized religious hypocrisy—not because religious practices were bad, but because they became performances.

A person may appear holy yet be spiritually empty.

Another may appear ordinary yet be deeply faithful.

God looks beyond appearances to the heart.

*6) Every vocation can be lived before God*

Whether one is: a parent, teacher, farmer, student, priest, worker,

much of what they do will never be publicly celebrated. Matthew 6:1 teaches that ordinary faithfulness has immense value because it is offered to God.

*At the end of the day, ask yourself:*

What good did I do today?

Did I hope others would notice?

Was there any hidden act of love that only God saw?

Can I offer tomorrow's work to God even if no one thanks me?

These questions gradually purify the heart's intentions.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*