In today's first reading from 2 Kings 2, Elijah's protege and successor, Elisha, asks Elijah for "a double portion of your spirit." His request is granted as Elijah is taken up in a fiery chariot. In our Gospel reading, you may think it's Ash Wednesday. It's Jesus' teaching on almsgiving, prayer and fasting from the Sermon on the Mount.
It starts with this from the Lord, "Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father."
Michelle and I were recently asked if we wanted a room named after us at a pregnancy center we support. I quickly answered, "NO!", and thought about this passage. I don't share this story to toot my own horn. (That would be completely antithetical to the message!) I simply wanted to follow this command of our Lord. We do good works to glorify God, not ourselves, in gratitude for all He has done for us. Amen!
Father, may we always point to you with all the good that we do and thank for every opportunity to do good in your name. Amen.
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