Today's Gospel reading 6/20/07--some clarity plz?

[whatevergirl]

I was telling zemi (another poster on here) about witnessing at work today…of course, not boasting about witnessing…but just sharing the story with the poster. But, then I read this verse in today’s Gospel…I know we should witness, but is it wrong to share our witnessing stories with others?

Please clarify for me? I have a feeling that it means not to be self righteous in our witnessing…or hey, look at me…I’m praying…I am thinking this is what the below verse means.

Thanks. I will be back tomorrow.

Gospel
Mt 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.

 

[NotWorthy]

Why did you do the original act?
Was it to receive accolades? Was it so others would congratulate you?

Why did you feel the need to tell your friend?
Was it to inspire her to try do similar things? Cool.
Was it to show her how holy you are? Not cool.

 

[whatevergirl]

Why did you do the original act?
Was it to receive accolades? Was it so others would congratulate you?

Why did you feel the need to tell your friend?
Was it to inspire her to try do similar things? Cool.
Was it to show her how holy you are? Not cool.

the first of your second set of questions…so, ok…you helped me to answer my question. thank you

 

[NotWorthy]

Whatevergirl, I’m studying Romans right now, and I came across this note that may apply to you.

In Romans 15:17 Paul “boasts” that he can be proud of what he has done for God in Christ Jesus when previously he had warned the Romans about “boasting” of their good deeds. But this is an acceptable “boast” because it is based upon and brought to completion through the power—not of Paul—but of the Holy Spirit and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to whom Paul gives full credit [see http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/romans/romans6.htm#v3”]Romans 6:3

, 11].
Always remember that when we do good things for God, actually God is doing good things through us!!!

Take care and keep up the good work!!!

 

[SFH]

I was telling zemi (another poster on here) about witnessing at work today…of course, not boasting about witnessing…but just sharing the story with the poster. But, then I read this verse in today’s Gospel…I know we should witness, but is it wrong to share our witnessing stories with others?

Please clarify for me? I have a feeling that it means not to be self righteous in our witnessing…or hey, look at me…I’m praying…I am thinking this is what the below verse means.

Thanks. I will be back tomorrow.

Gospel
Mt 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.

There was a Catholic priest in London many years ago who was reciting the Divine Office on a bus. An Episcopalian priest got up and started lamblasting him in front of everyone on the bus, arguing that the Catholic priest was doing just what this passage prohibits (i.e., practicing his religion in public where everyone could see). “When I pray and fast,” the Episcopalian priest told the bus riders, “I do it in the privacy of my home.”

“Yes,” the Catholic priest replied, “and then you get on a bus and announce it to all of London.”

 

[runandsew]

I would say that this passage is talking about things like we see today with Movie stars and Pro athletes, where they have taken a hit in the public perception of them, and then they will go out in front of the TV camera to show them working for some cause, or donating to it. They are doing it for public relations, and not out of love of God and others.