Today is my favorite Gospel of the year.

From Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them…
…when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing…
…when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret…
When you fast, do not look gloomy…anoint your head and wash your face…”

For many years, I loved the message: do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…
It seems simple, right? We are taught not to be boastful. We believe that true charity comes from selflessness and a grateful heart; not done for our own glory or attention. I still believe this, but some of my perspective has changed.

As Christians, we go to mass/church today to receive the blessing of ashes. We walk around with a very visible sign of our commitment to almsgiving, praying, and fasting. We listen to the above Gospel and then show the world, by the ashes on our forehead, our intent to perform “righteous deeds.” The blessing of ashes seems to contradict the commands of the Gospel. We can’t see our own ashes, so they aren’t a reminder to ourselves; they are an outward sign to others. To Others.

How often have you heard of someone doing a good dead and been inspired to do a good deed yourself? I have. I am inspired often by others’ goodness: pay it forward, pass it along. Perhaps this is our charge during Lent: to commit ourselves to almsgiving (good works) as a means to inspire others; to be a visible example of Jesus’ command, just as our ashes are.

Jesus lived his life performing righteous deeds. He did this humbly, quietly, “in secret” as the Gospel states, and well-groomed. And yet, his deeds have been known throughout the world for 2000 years.

Ours don’t need to be that grand. Our righteous, but humble, deeds can be simple. They can inspire the world, a classroom, or just one person. And all will be celebrated.