Saturday before Cheesefare; Our Holy Father Porphyrius, Bishop of Gaza (420)
Romans 14:19-26; Galatians 5:22-6:2; Matthew 6:1-13; Matthew 11:27-30
Read Matthew 6:1-13
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Do the right things for the right reasons. Today in our gospel reading the Church gives us another reminder just before we begin the disciplines of increased fasting, praying and almsgiving to ensure that they are leading us in the way that we are supposed to go. Recall the Pharisee who used his fasting and generosity to judge his neighbour and distance himself from God.
As we begin the fast, keep in mind that God does not need our prayers, but that we need to pray. What is required from us is heart surgery to put our hearts in the right place before the Lord. St. John Chrysostom writes:
When Jesus warned, “Beware of practising your piety before men,” he then added pointedly, “to be seen by them.” On first glance it seems as if the same thing were being repeated, but if you were carefully to pay attention, you will note a careful distinction. Alms may be given in the presence of others primarily to be seen by them, or they may be given in the presence of others but not to be seen, or they may be openly given in order to be seen but still not be seen, or they may be given quietly and still be seen. He is not focusing simply on the outward act done but the inward intent. (The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 19.2)