Pray and Fast
Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 - Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. 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. 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.
“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
There is a tendency in us, when we have a gift or skill, not simply to use it, but to use it in a way that will be noticed or praised. This is a symptom of pride. As people progress in the Christian life, gaining more knowledge and experience than their friends, they may even want to be seen as the best Christian!
This highlights the heart of pride—to want to be glorified like God, but apart from God. This is why St. Alphonsus de Liguori likened the prideful person to a thief, because he or she tries to steal glory that really belongs to God alone. In reality, the greatest people are those who are the most humble. The humble person opens himself or herself up to God, and God shows His profound glory most beautifully through them. The humble is not enriched by cheap human praise, but is radiant with the glory of God.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
Like Pier? Share it with others (via links below) / Subscribe to it (below) / Support (the mission)
