Gospel: June 17, 2026
June 17, 2026 (Wednesday)
11th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 3 (Green)
Ps 31:20, 21, 24
Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
1st Reading: 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14*
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Be careful not to make a show of your good deeds before people. If you do so, you do not gain anything from your Father in heaven. When you give something to the poor, do not have it trumpeted before you, as do those who want to be noticed in the synagogues and in the streets, in order to be praised by people. I assure you, they have their reward.
If you give something to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your gift remains really secret. Your Father, who sees what is kept secret, will reward you.
When you pray, do not be like those who want to be noticed. They love to stand and pray in the synagogues or on street corners, in order to be seen by everyone. I assure you, they have their reward. When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is with you in secret; and your Father who sees what is kept secret will reward you.
When you fast, do not put on a miserable face, as do the hypocrites. They put on a gloomy face, so that people can see they are fasting. I tell you this: they have been paid in full already. When you fast, wash your face and make yourself look cheerful, because you are not fasting for appearances or for people, but for your Father, who sees beyond appearances. And your Father, who sees what is kept secret, will reward you.
Reflection:
Practice with the right heart.
Jesus’ words are destabilizing. After soaring high with the Beatitudes and exemplifying them by addressing certain distortions in the Law, he details his criticism of specific attitudes typical of both past and present religious individuals.
Almsgiving should not be flaunted or turned into a source of pride and vanity; instead, it should reflect the compassion that inspires people to share with those in need quietly. Jesus encourages us to give alms wisely, without being misled, and with discretion.
Prayer has a public face that should be approached modestly, free from unnecessary outward displays. It serves as the instrument for a deeper, more private connection known only to God. Like a love relationship, the intimate bond between two people is reflected in silent, profound understanding and can produce outward signs of affection.
Fasting, a practice frequently overlooked by Christians, is a means of gaining control over our desires and ourselves while promoting a spirit of generosity.
These three pillars of Jewish life belong to us as well. When we practice them with the right heart, we also strengthen the three pillars of our relationships: with others, God, and ourselves.
