Your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you
2 Kings 2:1,6-14; Psalm 30(31):20,21,24; Matthew 6:1-6,16-18
Matthew uses a polished structure here, with three memorable and easily digested points linked together with the memorable and repeated phrase 'I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward'. We all know, from sermons given at the start of or during Lent, that we need to exercise Prayer, Fasting and Alms-giving. This is the source of that structure.
- Prayer - everything we do should be wrapped in prayer. Pray before undertaking something, seeking and expecting guidance to choose wisely and prepare well. And pray after in thanks-giving.
- Fasting - do not take for yourself what you do not need. It won't do you any good, possessions become a burden, wealth can bring guilt, too much food can lead to health issues.
- Give Alms - and don't just give alms, as how you do this is important. Even your own left hand should not know what your right is giving away!
It really is not necessary for others to know what you have done - God will know. And God will reward you in the kingdom to come.
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