Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 18, 2025

Date: Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples:

“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.

“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. 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.

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today continues our reading of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount.” In the texts of today, Jesus focuses on the need for authenticity in our piety (righteous deeds, alms giving, prayer, and fasting). These are done to strengthen the believer spiritually and the believer’s relationship with the LORD; these are never to be done to impress others.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What is my motive for the spiritual exercises I practice?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You are love and in love, through love and for love You created the world and You created us. You created us for love, for a loving relationship with You and with one another. Send your Spirit to purify our hearts and minds so that we are moved to action for the right reasons – to build and strengthen our relationship with You and with one another. Grant that we may avoid pride and pretense for worldly rewards. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who modeled for us right relationship with You and with one another. Amen.