ACC ~ Matthew 6 v4

ALMSGIVING IN SECRET

AUGUSTINE: A hypocrite is one who pretends to be something one is not. This person pretends to be righteous yet shows no evidence of righteousness. All attention is focused on how one is being perceived or praised by others. Even pretenders may receive this praise precisely while they are deceiving those to whom they seem to be good. But they receive no reward from God the searcher of the heart—only reproach for their deceit. They may have a human reward, but from God they hear, “Depart from me, you workers of deceit. You may speak my name, but you do not do my works.” [1] So you receive your reward with others, you have received the glory of others—so what? If you do good for the express purpose of having human glory, what good have you? The praise of others need not even be sought by one who acts rightly. We ought to follow one who acts rightly, profiting by imitating what we praise. SERMON ON THE MOUNT 2.2.5. [2]

[1] Mt 7:21-23.

[2] PL 34:1271-72; NPNF 1 6:35**; ACW 5:95-96. In the presence of God it is pointless to focus on how one is being perceived. Hypocrisy is rejected by the One who sees through our deceptions. The praise of others need not even be sought by one who acts rightly.

GOD WILL REVEAL GOOD WORKS IN DUE TIME

ANONYMOUS: Understand that he means the secret place of the heart rather than a location. For the Lord dwells in the recesses of your heart, not in a particular secret place. Remember that the Lord does not wish us to act in secret in order that our work may be invisible. Elsewhere he says, “Let your light shine so that others may see your good works and may glorify your Father who is in heaven.” [1] But it is the Lord who in due time will reveal. Every good thing becomes more pleasing when it is hidden by us but revealed by God. If you display yourself, there are few who will praise you, and few will understand, even if you should appear humble. The one who does understand this will lament you rather than praise you. If, on the other hand, God reveals you, no one will find fault, except perhaps an evil person, to whom a good person is displeasing. For it is impossible that the Lord would ignore the good work of a good person done in secret. God will make such a one known in this age and boast in him in the future, because the glory comes from God. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 13. [2]

[1] Mt 5:16.

[2] PG 56:708.