Do deeds with pure intention.

We can catch ourselves doing good deeds to receive praise from people immediately.
And how does Jesus admonish us? “Take heed and do not do your good works before men, lest they admire you, for you will have no reward with your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 6:1).

Jesus talks about three things: good works, prayer, and fasting. He doesn’t tell us how often to do them, but He tells us how `way’ to do them. And he contrasts this with the Pharisees. They did good work where everyone saw them and praised them for it. They did the same with prayer and fasting. They did everything hypocritically to be great in the eyes of the people. But we Christians are to do it with a pure intention, not to be praised by people, but to do a good deed. And then the heavenly Father will reward me.

We can see – especially in the media, how famous people in today’s society want to donate some – for example, an orphanage. They do it in front of the television, in front of journalists, and many people. In this way, they want to show that they are the good ones and think of the poorer and poorer ones. And they will make a big celebration around it, just so that people will praise them. And yet everybody knows how immoral this person is, what all the bad things he has done, and maybe he dishonestly got the money.
Isn’t this what Jesus is warning us against? These people forget that human glory is not lasting but fragile, like a beautiful spring flower, but quickly fades and is gone.
But we know that only God can give a reward that will last. Jesus teaches us to avoid vanity and do everything – every good deed, prayer, and fasting – with humility and a pure heart so that we may glorify God and help our neighbors.

Then God will give us a reward that will be written in heaven. This reward of God can hardly be compared to the tip of men. For the reward from God is permanent, eternal, and specific. God prepares for us eternal life as a reward for our works.

Let us pray, Almighty God, who sees even the hidden things. Teach us to act according to the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Act with pure intention and out of love for you. Only this way can we receive the eternal reward you prepare for glorifying those who do not look to men.