Have you ever been the person who is just completely dominating at a game your group is playing? Maybe you're just good at the game, have had lots of practice. Maybe luck is on your side during that specific occasion. Regardless of why you're there, you're dominating. Some people are feeling discouraged. Do you choose to be a prideful person and go thr route of teasing them for their ill fortune? Or instead, do you encourage them to keep going, saying it's just how this game is working out, and be a friend, encouraging everyone to continue playing? How we act in these opportunities of good fortune show others a glimpse of who we are as God's people. If we take every opportunity to put others down, then they're not going to see us as people of love, but people to avoid. If we take these chances to be friendly, encouraging and supportive, they're going to want to build further relationship with you, seek the spark that makes you so good and loving. How are you as a supportive friend?

Today's Gospel states:'"Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no Reward from your Father who is in heaven. "Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let 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 reward you. "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you' (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18).

Today's reading talks about how we shouldn't be seeking reward for the good we do. This goes from being boastful from winning a game, to wanting admiration for helping as a volunteer. So often we take pride to the extreme and lose focus of how we can use these opportunities to give everything to God, needing no further reward. We need to be a loving friend even if we don't get anything in return, but show God's love every chance we get, not seeking a reward. Take some time to pray and ask God to help you be a loving friend who doesn't seek reward.

Today we pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for showing me what it means to be a person of love. Help me to be loving and supportive of others, not seeking anything return.

I pray in Your most holy name, Amen.