June 19, 2024
Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
“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…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.” (Matthew 6:1-6)
HYPOCRITES: Today’s Gospel addresses “half-hearted” believers. There were many who liked the idea of being members of the Jewish faith, and the privileges that came along with it, but so much of what they did was for show.
Pope Francis once referred to this as “having one foot out the door.”
He said: “Those who insist others pray and believe exactly like they do, those who have alternatives to every Church teaching…have one foot out the door. For these people, the Church is not home. If one wants to belong to the Church, he must be motivated by love and enter with his whole heart.”
From the Deacon's Desk 