GOSPEL: Matthew 6:1-8

Reading:
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.   Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.   But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:   That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.   And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.   But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.   But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.   Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Commentary: 
The Pharisees did "their alms" before men, in that they gave to the Temple treasury in an open way for all to see how much they gave.  They did not seek God's glory, but their own glory.  The same was true in prayer.  They would stand on a street corner and make a big show of penitence and prayer for all to see.  God however saw their heart and He knew what they were thinking.  "Without faith it is impossible to please Him."  Jesus thus instructs His true disciples, that when we give our alms, namely make donations to church, help those in need, etc., "let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth."  We are quietly giving back to God what He first gave to us, with a cheerful heart.  We want no attention in the matter, for we seek God's glory alone.  Also regarding prayer "in our closet", such teaches us prayer is a private moment, a conversation with God where we can thank Him for all blessings, and cast our burdens upon Him, "for He careth for you."  Never doubt dear believer that God hears your prayer.  As a gracious Father, for Christ's sake, not only does He hear, but He is eager to answer and give all that we truly need.