play-acting
“Do not behave like the hypocrites.” —Matthew 6:5
The root of the word “hypocrite” means “play-acting.” Jesus teaches that discipleship can never involve play-acting; being a disciple of Christ means to live righteously from the heart. Disciples live to please the Lord God (see 1 Thes 2:4), not to obtain a reward for themselves.
The word “repaid,” used by Jesus in today’s Gospel passage (see Mt 6:5), means a limited repayment, which only satisfies the “actor.” The disciple, on the other hand, leaves the reward, if any, in the hands of God.
God may choose to reward now, later, or not at all. God may reward a small or huge amount; true disciples leave that all up to Him. Unlike the hypocrite’s repayment, the disciple’s reward does not limit God’s generosity, but trusts in His providence (see 2 Cor 9:8). Play-acting limits the reward, limits the fruit, and directs attention to the hypocrite rather than to God. Discipleship places no limits on fruit or repayment. The fruit and the reward could be “bountiful,” if God chooses (see 2 Cor 9:6). All glory goes directly to God.
Resist the temptation to play at being a disciple of Jesus. Take up your cross each day and follow in His footsteps (Lk 9:23). Give the Lord your all in love.
Prayer: Father, may I never limit You in any way. Give me a generous and bountiful heart that lives for You alone.
Promise: “He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully.” —2 Cor 9:6
Praise: Jesus healed Roger of cancer of the esophagus.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Seek First the Kingdom of God retreat, June 27-29, will help you get your heart focused on the most important goal in your life. Call 513-373-2397 or see our website.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 2024"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.