For the RIGHT reason

As human beings, most of us want to receive a certain amount of attention, especially for good things we do.

In today's Gospel (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18), however, our Lord warns us to be very careful about doing things for the purpose of getting positive attention.

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.

This is not to say that we should not be doing good things, but that we must be very honest and clear about our motives and do whatever we can to keep them as pure as possible.

Now is my way clear
now is the meaning plain:
Temptation shall not come in this kind again.
The last temptation is the greatest treason:
To do the right deed for the wrong reason.
(Thomas Becket in "Murder in the Cathedral" by T. S. Eliot)

We need to keep our focus not on ourselves, but on the needs of others and on the honor and glory of God.

We need to do the right things
for the right reason:
the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.