MATTHEW 6:1-4
TEACHING ABOUT ALMSGIVING
INTRODUCTION
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, verses 1-4, Jesus imparts a crucial teaching on the practice of almsgiving, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and humility. This passage is part of the broader Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus addresses the motivations behind righteous acts. He advises against doing charitable acts solely for public acclaim, arguing that God will not reward such actions. Instead, Jesus encourages believers to give in secrecy, ensuring that their acts of kindness are genuine and not driven by a desire for human praise. This teaching challenges the prevailing practices of the time, particularly among the scribes and Pharisees, who often sought public admiration for their piety.
The metaphorical language used by Jesus, such as not letting the left hand know what the right hand is doing, underscores the need for discretion in almsgiving. This approach not only preserves the dignity of the recipient but also aligns the giver’s intentions with divine expectations. Jesus contrasts the hypocritical behavior of those who announce their generosity with the quiet, sincere giving that God values. By focusing on the internal motivations rather than external recognition, this passage calls for a deeper reflection on the nature of true righteousness and the relationship between the giver, the act of giving, and God. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that the true reward comes from God, who sees and values the intentions hidden from the public eye.
Matthew 6:1 “But take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.”
Authentic Righteousness and the Importance of Sincerity
In Matthew 6:1, Jesus warns against the practice of performing righteous acts, such as almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, for the sake of public recognition. He emphasizes that those who seek human praise for their piety will receive no reward from God in heaven. This teaching is a continuation of His broader critique of the Scribes and Pharisees, whose righteousness was often superficial and motivated by a desire for public admiration. Jesus calls His disciples to a deeper form of righteousness, one that exceeds mere external observance and is rooted in genuine love for God and neighbor.
Almsgiving, a central act of righteousness in Jewish tradition, is not merely a charitable act but an expression of justice and compassion towards the less fortunate. Jesus criticizes the tendency to use almsgiving as a means of gaining social status, reminding His followers that true charity must be done with pure intentions, seeking only God’s approval. Throughout the Old Testament, God instituted laws that encouraged the wealthy to care for the poor, ensuring that the vulnerable in society were provided for. These acts of charity were to be done with humility, respecting the dignity of the recipient, and with a focus on helping others become self-reliant where possible. Jesus’ message is clear: the reward for such righteousness is not in the fleeting praise of people but in the eternal reward from the Father in heaven.
Reflection
As Christians, we must regularly examine our motivations behind acts of charity and devotion. Are our actions driven by a genuine desire to please God and help others, or are they influenced by a desire for recognition and approval from others? Jesus calls us to live authentically, ensuring that our deeds are sincere and that our relationship with God remains our primary focus. This teaching challenges us to prioritize our inner spiritual life over external appearances, aligning our actions with God’s will.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to act with sincerity and humility in all we do. May our deeds be driven by genuine love for You and for others, and not by a desire for recognition. Purify our hearts, so that we may seek Your approval above all else and live as true disciples of Christ. Guide us to be faithful in our acts of charity, knowing that our reward comes from You alone. Amen.
Matthew 6:2 “When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
In Matthew 6:2, Jesus delivers a powerful teaching on the proper attitude toward almsgiving, emphasizing sincerity and humility. This teaching is part of a broader discourse in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus warns against performing acts of righteousness for the sake of human recognition.
The Context and Significance
Jesus addresses the hypocrites, often identified with the scribes and Pharisees, who were known for their public displays of piety. These individuals performed acts of charity, not out of genuine love for God and neighbor, but to gain admiration and praise from the public. The phrase “do not blow a trumpet before you” is likely metaphorical, referring to the way some sought to draw attention to their good deeds. Whether or not there was a literal practice of trumpeting before giving alms, the message is clear: Jesus condemns any form of charity done for the sake of public acclaim rather than out of sincere compassion.
In Jewish society at the time, almsgiving was a common practice, especially in public places like synagogues and streets, where beggars often gathered. The synagogues had collection boxes for alms, and people were accustomed to making donations as part of their religious duty. However, Jesus criticizes those who gave with the intent of being seen and praised by others, as their actions were devoid of true piety and humility.
The Deeper Meaning of Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy, as described by Jesus, involves pretending to possess virtues one does not truly have. The term originates from the Greek word for theatrical acting, indicating that these so-called pious individuals were merely playing a role. Their outward displays of charity were, in reality, a performance aimed at gaining the admiration of others rather than an expression of genuine love for God and the poor. Jesus used the term “hypocrites” on multiple occasions, such as when He warned against praying like hypocrites (Mt 6:5) and when He admonished those who judged others without self-reflection (Mt 7:5).
The Reward of True Charity
Jesus assures us that those who seek human praise for their good deeds have already received their reward in full. The fleeting admiration they gain from others is all they will receive, with nothing left to be credited to them in heaven. In contrast, those who give in secret, with pure intentions, are promised a reward from God, who sees what is done in secret and rewards openly (Mt 6:4). This teaching underscores the importance of examining our motives when we perform acts of charity. Are we giving to those in need out of genuine love, or are we seeking the approval and admiration of others?
Catholic Teachings
Catholic teachings emphasize that the motive behind our actions is crucial. Almsgiving, prayer, and fasting should be directed towards God and not performed for the sake of human approval. This aligns with the broader Catholic understanding of humility and the call to live out one’s faith authentically and selflessly. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) also highlights the importance of intention in moral acts, teaching that the end does not justify the means (CCC 1753). True Christian charity is humble, selfless, and seeks no recognition. In a world that often glorifies public displays of generosity, we are reminded to keep our focus on God, who alone is the source of all goodness and who alone rewards true righteousness.
Reflection
Reflecting on this teaching, we are reminded of the importance of purity of heart in our charitable actions. True generosity is not about the recognition we receive but about the love and compassion we extend to others. The widow’s offering, as mentioned in the Gospel of Mark 12:41-44, exemplifies this selfless giving. She gave out of her poverty, demonstrating that the value of a gift lies in the spirit in which it is given.
A Prayer for Sincere Giving
Heavenly Father, help us to give with a pure heart, seeking only to serve You and our neighbors. May our actions reflect Your love and mercy, free from the desire for human praise. Teach us to be humble and sincere in our almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Guide us to live according to Your will, storing up treasures in heaven rather than seeking earthly rewards. Grant us the grace to seek Your reward above all else, knowing that it is only in You that we find true fulfillment. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Matthew 6:3-4 “But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”
In Matthew 6:3-4, Jesus provides a profound teaching on the nature of true charity. He emphasizes the importance of humility and sincerity when giving alms, urging believers to avoid seeking public recognition for their good deeds. The phrase “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” serves as a metaphor for the discretion and modesty that should characterize our charitable actions.
This teaching is rooted in the broader Catholic understanding of almsgiving, one of the three pillars of Christian penance, alongside prayer and fasting. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) underscores that almsgiving is not merely an act of charity but also a work of justice, pleasing to God (CCC 2462). Jesus’ instruction highlights that almsgiving should be done with pure intentions, focusing not on human approval but on fulfilling our duty to love and serve our neighbor.
Historically, this concept is supported by the Jewish tradition of the “Chamber of Secrets” in the ancient Jerusalem Temple, where donors could give anonymously, and the needy could receive help without shame. This practice preserved the dignity of both the giver and the receiver, aligning with Jesus’ emphasis on secret giving. The Pharisees and Scribes, however, had drifted from this tradition, using almsgiving as a means to gain public glory, thereby degrading the very people they were supposed to help.
The Catholic Church teaches that acts of charity should stem from a transformed heart, focused on interior holiness rather than outward appearances. God, who is omniscient, sees the hidden intentions of our hearts and rewards those who act out of genuine love and compassion. As St. Augustine insightfully remarked, “Our hands should give out, but our hearts should withdraw,” meaning that our charitable actions should be accompanied by a humble heart, focused on God rather than seeking human accolades.
Reflection
Jesus’ teaching challenges us to examine our motivations for giving. Are our charitable acts done to seek praise from others, or are they carried out in a spirit of humility and selflessness, pleasing only to God? The call to authentic discipleship involves a transformation of the heart, where our actions reflect our love for God and neighbor, free from the desire for recognition.
By practicing secret giving, we align ourselves with God’s will, trusting that He sees and rewards our good deeds, whether in this life or the next. This teaching reminds us that true almsgiving is an expression of our love for God and neighbor, reflecting the sacrificial love that Christ has for us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to give generously and humbly, seeking only Your approval. Help us to perform acts of charity with pure hearts, free from the desire for recognition. May our lives reflect Your love and compassion, drawing others closer to You. Strengthen us in humility and charity, so that our actions may bring glory to Your name. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
CONCLUSION
In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus calls us to a higher standard of righteousness, one that is rooted in sincerity and humility. His teaching on almsgiving emphasizes the importance of performing charitable acts not for the sake of public recognition but out of genuine love for God and our neighbors. Jesus challenges us to examine our motives, reminding us that true righteousness is not about external appearances but about the intentions of the heart. By giving in secret, we align ourselves with God’s will, trusting that He sees and rewards our actions according to His divine wisdom.
This teaching is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility in our spiritual lives. As followers of Christ, we are called to live authentically, focusing on our relationship with God rather than seeking the approval of others. In a world that often glorifies public displays of generosity, Jesus’ message encourages us to prioritize our inner spiritual growth and to perform acts of charity with pure intentions. Ultimately, it is God’s approval that we should seek, knowing that His reward is eternal and far surpasses any earthly recognition.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking to live according to Your will. Help us to perform our acts of charity with sincerity and humility, free from the desire for recognition. May our deeds reflect Your love and compassion, drawing us closer to You and to our neighbors. Grant us the grace to seek only Your approval, knowing that our true reward comes from You alone. Guide us in our journey of faith, that we may live as true disciples of Christ, glorifying Your name in all that we do. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.