Gospel Note
In these sayings Jesus uses three common rituals almsgiving, prayer and fasting as examples of rituals that can be done publicly for the wrong reasons (e.g., human approval, self-aggrandizement) rather than privately, in sincere devotion to God. The verses that punctuate and frame these examples (6:1, 4, 6, 18, 19-21) suggest that there are heavenly rewards for rituals rightly done.

Liturgical Color
Purple or black

Suggested Hymns
O Lord, Throughout These…