It is 17th June 2015. The readings are from 2 Cor.9:6-11 and the Gospel from Mt. 6:1-6, 16-18. The first reading encourages to be a generous giver for a reason. St. Paul teaches us that there is a motive behind in our giving. Charity is the investment we make in God’s house. We will never match God in giving. Yet, we must not be tired of giving. “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7). We may be poor, yet we must be rich in giving. It is our attitude that matters in giving than how much we give. Embarrassment of not giving anything is more painful than giving a little to be embarrassed. The Responsorial Psalm teaches us, “Happy the person who fears the Lord.” (Ps.111:1). The Gospel warns us not to trumpet our good works to others. Anything good belongs to God, comes from God and has to be noticed by God for the good to be all the more good. Whether it is alms giving, praying or fasting, all these good works need not attract attention. It is our faith in a loving and a merciful God propels us to do good. We need to cultivate doing good secretly not publically. When all our good deeds are done according to today’s Gospel, it pleases God, helps us personally and benefits the other too. “And you Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.”(Mt. 6:18). How good are we in praying, giving and fasting? Do we have an agenda for all our good works? Do we good in order to prove something? Is there any hypocrisy involved in our doing good? Let there not be any selfishness involved and let all our motives be pure and perfect. May the Lord bless you and have a good day.