Silent Action

Purity of intentions.

1 “[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. 2 When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites[b] do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
5 “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. 6 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. 7 [c]In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.[d] 8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.-Matthew6:1-8

Now that election season is brewing, one politician would like to make his plans indirectly (sic) known. He did this by showcasing his 'service, generosity and kindness' (sic) on TV and radio ads. All acts of charity must have radio and TV coverage to convey the message that he is the one. It is so sad that charity - a noble virtue - can be twisted by some for personal and selfish interests. Today, Jesus is teaching us about purity of intentions and silent actions. Prayer, almsgiving and fasting should be done with the most sincere and noble intentions. If we can do well when people are looking, we should equally do well when people are not looking. But most especially, we should do prayer, almsgiving and fasting silently and discreetly.

Image courtesy: Brooklyn Museum