Today, as we enter the season of Lent, Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew invite us to reflect on the sincerity of our hearts. Lent is a time of repentance, conversion, and renewal. It is a season in which we deepen our relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Yet, Jesus warns us not to perform these acts for the sake of appearances but to seek a genuine encounter with our Heavenly Father.
Jesus speaks firmly against hypocrisy. He warns against performing righteous deeds just to be seen by others. Giving alms, praying, and fasting are not meant to be displays of personal holiness but rather acts of love directed toward God and neighbor. The temptation to seek human approval is strong, but Jesus reminds us that the true reward comes from God, who sees what is done in secret.
On this Ash Wednesday, as we receive the sign of ashes on our foreheads, let us remember that this mark is not for show but a sign of our inner repentance. It is not about making others see our holiness, but about humbling ourselves before God, acknowledging our sins, and seeking His mercy.
Jesus tells us to go into our inner room to pray. This does not mean that public prayer is wrong, but that our prayer should come from a heart that truly seeks God. Lent is an invitation to deepen our prayer life, to set aside distractions, and to spend more time in silence with God. In this fast-paced world, do we take time to be with Him? Do we seek His presence in the quiet of our hearts?
Fasting is not simply about giving up food or comforts; it is about detaching from things that take us away from God. Jesus reminds us not to fast with a gloomy face but to do so with joy, knowing that our sacrifice is for the Lord. When we fast, we open our hearts to greater dependence on God. It reminds us that our deepest hunger is for Him alone.
True generosity is done in secret, not for recognition but out of love. Lent calls us to practice charity in a way that seeks nothing in return. Whether through acts of kindness, helping the poor, or offering our time and resources, our giving should be a reflection of God’s love in us.
As we begin this Lenten journey, let us take to heart Jesus’ words. May our prayer be sincere, our fasting joyful, and our almsgiving selfless. Let this be a season of true conversion, where we seek not the approval of the world but the grace of our loving Father, who sees what is hidden and will reward us abundantly.