Sixth Sunday of Summer

Gospel Reading
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Take care not to do your good deeds before men, so as to be seen by them, otherwise you will have no merit. Therefore, when you give alms, do not sound the trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the streets and synagogues, in order to be honored by men. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward. As for you, when you give alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you. And when you pray, you will not be like the hypocrites who like to pray standing up in the synagogues or in the corners of the public squares so as to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward. As for you, when you pray, go into your room with the door closed, pray to your Father in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will hear you. Don't multiply your words when you pray, as the pagans do, for they think they'll be heard by dint of their words. Do not be like them, for all your Father knows what you need before you ask for it. When you fast, don't be sad like the hypocrites, for they wear out their faces so that their fasting will appear to men. Verily, I say unto you, they shall have none of their reward. As for you, when you fast, perfume your head and wash your face, so that it does not appear to men that you are fasting. Your father, who is present in secret and sees in secret, will take account of you. ​

‘Saint Catherine of Alexandria at Prayer’ by Titian, circa 1567.