2 Cor 9:6-11 / Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
As human beings, we have a need for identification and recognition.
We need to be identified and recognised as an individual and as a person.
More than just physically identifiable and recognisable, we also need the acknowledgement of our existence.
Quite often, we express that need with actions that will bring attention to ourselves.
Some may even desire that self-attention to the extent that they will even “hog the lime-light”, and even at the expense of others.
This can also happen in religion when spiritual acts can be turned into attention-seeking.
As Jesus pointed out in the gospel, acts like almsgiving, fasting and prayer can be used to attract attention and for self-gain.
But as St. Paul says in the 1st reading: thin sowing means thin reaping.
When we sow in the field of human desires and seek self-attention and worldly-gains, then we are going to reap what is passing and temporary.
But when we sow in the field of humility and charity, then our reward is in eternity.
As the 1st reading puts it – he was free in almsgiving and gave to the poor and his good deed will never be forgotten.
Let us do what is pleasing to God, and He will bless us with peace and joy, and give us our due recognition.