June 20, 2018

Gospel: Mt 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.

Reflections
Yahweh took Elijah to heaven in a whirlwind According to the Book of Kings Elijah did not die but was taken up by a chariot into heaven. A branch of Judaism believes that Elijah will return to signal the end of days. No wonder as Jesus cries out for the Father on the cross, bystanders wait for Elijah to rescue him and usher the End Times. However, Elijah does not come. God did not allow Elijah to die because of his fidelity to his mission and to the Lord. This is what Jesus’ resurrection signifies. Those who are faithful to the Lord till the end will live forever.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018