Show Don't Tell: Matthew 6:1-4

In the bustling heart of Jerusalem, imagine the sun casting a golden hue over the cobblestone streets. Amidst the chatter of merchants selling their wares and children laughing as they play, there’s a sudden blast of a trumpet—its sharp, triumphant sound cutting through the air. It signals the arrival of a well-known Pharisee, a man dressed in flowing robes, adorned with tassels that sway like banners as he walks. People turn, their eyes wide with expectation. This man, known as Eli, is not shy about his generosity; he has come to announce his latest act of charity.

He stands in the center of the marketplace, chest puffed, and proclaims loudly about his gift to the poor—a large sum that he has given to the local synagogue. The crowd claps, their faces lit with admiration, and Eli basks in their praise. “What a righteous man!” they whisper, their voices filled with awe. In that moment, Eli has received his reward in full—a fleeting applause, a moment of glory.

But then, shift your gaze. Picture a small, unassuming woman in the corner, clutching her tattered cloak around her. Her name is Miriam, and she has little to give—perhaps just a handful of coins, tarnished and worn. With trembling hands, she reaches into her pocket, glancing around to ensure no one is watching. She slips her coins into the offering box, her heart pounding, as though she is sharing a secret with God alone.

Here, Jesus invites us to understand the beauty of hidden generosity. “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Imagine that level of secrecy—where your hands are working independently, almost as if your act of kindness is so private that it barely registers in your own consciousness.