True Worship versus Hypocrisy

Homily for June 21, 2017


In the very first book of the Bible, we are presented with a story of two brothers, Cain and Abel who performed acts of worship to God. Note that they were never forced to offer sacrifices in the first place but then, one was acceptable to God and the other was rejected.

What this story teaches us is that when it comes to rendering worship to God, it is either the best or nothing at all.

In our first reading today, St. Paul gives us a clue as to why the sacrifice of Cain was detestable in the sight of God. He says: “EACH ONE MUST DO AS HE HAS MADE UP HIS MIND, NOT RELUCTANTLY OR UNDER COMPULSION, FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER.”

While Abel gave from the best he could afford, Cain gave from his left-overs. While Abel gave cheerfully, Cain gave reluctantly as though he was forced.

I once met a woman who told me she never gives out something she cannot use. If for instance, she has pair of shoes that have deteriorated beyond recognition, she would rather throw it away than give it out because she always puts herself in the position of the receiver.

I am sure we too have had the experience of receiving gifts from people only to help them throw such gifts away the moment they turn their backs. No matter how poor a person may be, there are certain gifts that are not worth accepting. How much more God who owns everything that exists?

Apart from rendering worship to God with a cheerful heart, another factor which could render or worship detestable before God is HYPOCRISY. If in a bid to worship God, we end up making ourselves gods such that people begin to worship us instead of God, then we are just hypocrites.

Hence, Jesus in the Gospel passage speaks about the need to give alms, pray and fast in secret so that God alone may receive the glory for our actions.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, free me totally from self-deception. Amen.

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 2nd Corinthians 9:6-11 and Matthew 6:1-6.16-18).*


Fr. Abu.

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