Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Matthew 6:1-6; 16-18
Dust loved by God: the hidden beauty within

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a quiet but powerful invitation: “When you give alms, pray, or fast, do so in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.” (cf. Mt 6:1–6, 16–18)

This is not just about avoiding attention. It is a call to return to the heart — to that inner room where our truest self lives, and where God patiently waits. In a noisy world that pushes us to be seen, admired, applauded, Jesus invites us to step away from the stage and return to what is essential. “Go to your room,” He says. Not to escape the world, but to rediscover the truth of who we are: beloved dust, formed by God’s hands, loved with eternal love.

To give, to pray, to fast — not for show, but from the heart. This is the journey of authentic discipleship. The Word of God calls us back to simplicity, sincerity, and the quiet power of God’s love working in secret. We are not here to impress others; we are here to encounter the God who sees us and loves us exactly as we are.

Perhaps, like Saint Francis, we are invited to strip away the things that no longer serve love. To put aside our masks, our pride, our need for approval. What remains is the truth: we are dust, yes — but dust that is loved. In that love, everything is made new.

Let us return to the heart. There, in silence, in prayer, in humble giving, the Father waits. And He says to each one of us: “I love you. Let me remind you of your beauty.”
Amen.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025