NOTES for Mat 6:1-15

Every action must have a definite purpose, and, moreover, that purpose is achieved: whoever loves for show, in order to earn respect and honor, easily achieves the goal—such a person “has already received the reward.” But whoever loves in secret, hidden even from oneself, so completely that “the left hand does not know” about it—that is, inwardly, in the depths of the heart, where even one's own consciousness does not always penetrate—receives the “recompense” all the more, that is, achieves the goal. It seems that the Gospel, the good news, lies precisely in this promise that the goal will be achieved even if our left hand never learns of it. Christ promises that compassion and participation in another person's life will reach that person's heart, and that the one who seeks God will succeed in being alone with Him in the inner room, behind a closed door.