The Audience of One
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
(Matthew 6:1-4)
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.
Grace Prayed For
I pray for the grace of Purity of Intention—that my spiritual life would be driven by a desire to please God alone rather than a desire for human recognition.
Reflection
Jesus warns us that the “reward” of public praise is fleeting and empty. Growing in intimacy with Him requires a “secret” life—a place where only you and He exist. As you prepare for Lent, consider how much of your faith is lived for the eyes of others. True intimacy with Jesus flourishes in the quiet moments of prayer and the hidden acts of kindness that no one will ever post about or applaud. When we act in secret, we prove to our own hearts that God is enough.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post