MT 6:1-6,16-18
February 18th is Ash Wednesday. When we receive our ashes we are reminded that we were dust and to dust we shall return. Life is not forever, and when our mortal life ends our eternal life can begin. In today’s gospel Jesus gives us advice on how to live our lives with others, and in prayer. Jesus tells us not to be dramatic and not let everyone know our good deeds or that we are good Catholics. Earthly accolades should not be our goal. It does not matter if people know whether or not you are good. The only one who can judge you is God, and he knows if you are good even if it is in secret. Jesus tells us in the gospel that “your Father who sees you in secret will repay you”. The message of this gospel is to do the right thing for the right reasons.