*TODAY'S REFLECTION* In Judaism, almsgiving, prayer and fasting are three pillars that enable spiritual growth. Jesus accepts their usefulness, but draws attention to hypocrisy, which defeats their very purpose. A hypocrite seeks to create an appearance that doesn’t correspond to reality. Attracts the attention of people, and wants to be considered superior to others. Charity helps me to detach myself from my possessions to help the needy; fasting helps me realise my need of God; and prayer helps me communicate with God. The moment I perform these practices to gain human approval, I lose out on their spiritual benefits. May we be genuine in our spirituality, by making sure that we practice charity, prayer and penance without publicity, competitiveness or any other improper motivation. *PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL* "So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it as the hypocrites do,. When you want to help a person do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it, your father who see what you do will reward you... - Matt 6 :2 - Pray for the grace to always differentiate between kindness and selflessness; between pride and holy determination. *Let Us Pray,* May your mercy be upon us, O Lord, that we may be kept safe through famine and weakness. Let our hearts rejoice in your light and trust in the holiness of thy name that all our actions may be inspired by the might of thy power and the strength of thy Holy will. *Amen.*