Reflect today on your motivation for the acts of kindness you do

His leprosy was immediately purified. Then Jesus said to him: “You see that you don't tell anyone, but go show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses; it will be a test for them. "Matthew 8: 3b-4

An extraordinary miracle takes place and Jesus simply tells the one who has recovered to "tell no one". Why does Jesus say this?

First, we should start by thinking about what Jesus did. By purifying this leper, he restored his whole life to him. He lived like an outcast, separated from the community; his leprosy, in a way, took everything away from him. But he had faith in Jesus and presented himself to the care and mercy of God. The result was that he was made whole and restored to full health.

Jesus often told those who were healed not to tell anyone. One reason for this was that Jesus' acts of love and mercy were not done to his advantage, but rather out of love. Jesus loved this leper and wanted to offer him this precious healing gift. He did it out of compassion and, in return, he only wanted man's gratitude. He didn't need to make it a public show, he just wanted the man to be grateful.

The same goes for us. We must know that God loves us so much that He wants to lift our heavy burdens and heal our weaknesses simply because He loves us. He doesn't do it first because it will benefit him, rather he does it for the sake of us.

One lesson we can learn from this has to do with our acts of love and mercy towards others. When we do everything to show love and compassion, are we okay without anyone knowing? Too often we want to be noticed and praised. But the nature of an act of love and compassion is such that it should be done simply out of love. In fact, doing something loving and compassionate that no one notices helps us grow in love and compassion. It purifies our intentions and allows us to love for love of love.

Reflect today on your motivation for the acts of kindness you do. Pray that you too may wish to act hidden in imitation of our divine Lord.

Sir, I can grow in love with others and express that love in a pure way. May I never be motivated by the desire for vain praise. Jesus I believe in you.