Wednesday February 14th: Focusing On What Matters

Ash Wednesday

“…and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

In this Ash Wednesday Gospel, the lesson is consistent: we should give alms, pray, and fast in the same way – in secret. But why the secret? This is a really hard task. I believe it is even more difficult than the Lenten sacrifice itself. It is my human nature to want to be recognized or commended for good work and I believe that is why Jesus is challenging me to focus on why I do what I do.
This also calls me to look at how I go about forgiving someone who has hurt me on more than one occasion. I sometimes think that I need people to commend me for forgiving that person, but this too should be done in private; no audience; no applause; no hidden agenda; just God’s work.
Lord, thank you for reminding me of the clear path to being rewarded by You. Help me to focus on You in everything I choose to do during this Lenten period. Let not my sacrifices be in vain. Amen.