“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:16-18
Jesus is teaching sincerity. For the last three lessons he’s said, don’t do as the hypocrites do. Well, the hypocrites are giving alms to the poor, praying, and fasting. Are we not to do these things? It is good to do these things, and Jesus is not saying don’t do them.
Jesus teaches us that the attitude with which we do things matters. Don’t do spiritual practices to be appreciated by others. Do them because in your heart you know they are the right thing to do, and when you do what is right from the heart, you are one with God.
Give alms to the poor because in your heart you care. The hypocrites may care, but they take their full credit by building a public reputation for doing a good thing. People respect that. But more importantly, do good things because God knows what’s in your heart, and next to that, it doesn’t matter at all whether another human notices. God notices. That’s all that matters.
Pray privately without a lot of words because God knows what’s in your heart. He will reward you with a light, gracious heart that lives a long time.
When you fast, try to hide the discomfort of your empty belly, and only your Father – who is unseen – will know. Your Father is unseen: Be like your Father in the heavens.
God is one. Being one, he is in you and you are in him. He knows what you are doing and why you are doing it. God is love, and he wants you to be love, too. So, love the poor, love to pray of God, and love to fast because it purifies your heart.
Don’t perform kindness superficially as an enforced duty. Be kind from a loving heart, sincerely. That’s what Jesus is teaching us.