“(But) 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 be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.
I still can’t get over with the homily last Wednesday. It was from Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18. It was a gospel about the proper posture in almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. At first I thought this is just a guide how I can execute it better if ever I choose to do any of it.
As I continue on reflecting and asking God what else in the gospel that He wants me to live out, He brought a different way of understanding the three. I believe He is telling me that in order for me to stay close to Him, prayer is not enough. There has to be a balance of the the 3 – almsgiving, prayer and fasting. That my lifestyle at all times will revolve around the 3- to give cheerfully, pray faithfully, and fast regularly.
Personally praying at all times is given, it’s a must. However my view on fasting and almsgiving is different, I still see it as an option and can be done only on when I want to. The Lord is telling me to do all of these at all times. I believe that the best way to feed my spiritual life is by living out the three.
“Lord you are God and in you all things are created. You made us in your image and likeness. Teach us to live our lives like your Son Jesus – He practiced almsgiving, prayer and fasting. May I be able to do the same. Lord may all three be my lifestyle as I continue on growing in the spirit. May I cheerfully, faithfully and regularly do it.“
Candy
Philippians 1:29