SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #178
"Therefore when thou dost an alms-deed, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honoured by men. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But when thou dost alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth. That thy alms may be in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee." (Matt. 6:2-4)
A RIGHT INTENTION: Prayer, fasting and alms-deeds are good works, as the angel Raphael told Tobias. But good works are neither meritorious nor pleasing to God, if our intention in doing them is not good, and not directed to the glory of God. If we seek our own glory when practicing good works, we are serving our own self-love and pride, and not God, and therefore we must not expect any reward from Him.
[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)
A RIGHT INTENTION: Prayer, fasting and alms-deeds are good works, as the angel Raphael told Tobias. But good works are neither meritorious nor pleasing to God, if our intention in doing them is not good, and not directed to the glory of God. If we seek our own glory when practicing good works, we are serving our own self-love and pride, and not God, and therefore we must not expect any reward from Him.
[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
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