True Worship
2 KINGS 2:1, 6-14; PSALM 31; MATTHEW 6:1-6, 16-18
Today’s gospel speaks about religious worship. Jesus reminds us of the three hallmarks of genuine worship: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Jesus warns his disciples not to indulge in spiritual acts just to attract men’s admiration. Fasting is an act of mortification in worship, not to impress men; when you pray, don’t pray like the Pharisees; when you give alms, don’t do it grudgingly but cheerfully.
Lastly, the first reading tells us how Elijah was taken up to heaven after his earthly sojourn. The goal of worship is heaven. Worship should lead us to heaven, not men. Therefore, let us make every effort to abstain from distractions. Elisha did not give in to the distractions that came his way when he followed his master, Elijah. He remained steadfast and focused until he received a double portion of Elijah’s anointing.
Let us pray
Father, have mercy and save us. Help us to rise as true worshipers. Give us the grace to overcome the distractions that come our way, and may we find heaven after our earthly sojourn. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
