A reading from
the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 6, 1-6. 16-18)
Jesus said to his
disciples: “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen
by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
“So whenever you
give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the
synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I
tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let
your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be
done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“And whenever you
pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the
synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly
I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into
your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your
Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“When you are
praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that
they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your
Father knows what you need before you ask him. …
“And whenever you
fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces
so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have
received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your
face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is
in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
This is the word
of the Lord.
