Practicing What We Preach: A Call to Purity of Intention

(This reflection is inspired by the homily of Fr. Ted Trinko, I.V.E., at the noon mass at the Lourdes grotto today)

Introduction

The Gospel this Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Faith (Ordinary Time), Matthew 23:1-12, confronts us with a challenging but necessary truth. Jesus warns the people about the scribes and Pharisees, saying: “For they preach but they do not practice.” These words are not just directed at a group in history—they echo into our own lives today, inviting us to examine the intentions behind everything we do.

The Danger of Doing Good to Be Seen

Jesus condemns the Pharisees not for doing visible works, but for doing them with the wrong motives. Their actions were often performed “to be seen by others.” This attitude reduces acts of faith into performances meant to win approval or admiration.

We too can fall into this trap—serving in ministries, giving alms, or even praying in public, but secretly hoping to be recognized. When our intentions are impure, the goodness of the act is stripped of its holiness. As Christ teaches in Matthew 6, “Take care not to perform righteous deeds that people might see them.”

The Importance of Intention

At the heart of today’s Gospel is the question of intention. Why do we do what we do? Would we still serve, pray, or give if no one ever noticed? If the answer is yes, then our intentions are likely pure and rooted in love for God. But if the answer is no, we are reminded to step back and realign our motives with humility and sincerity.

St. Augustine reminds us: “Charity is not charity if it seeks something other than God.” Purity of intention ensures that even the smallest hidden act becomes a great offering before the Lord.

Learning from Christ’s Example

Jesus not only preaches humility—He embodies it. He washed the feet of His disciples, embraced the Cross, and surrendered everything to the Father’s will. His greatness is found in His service. “The greatest among you must be your servant,” He says.

To follow Him means to walk in this path of hidden love, seeking not our glory but God’s.

A Prayer for Purity of Intention

Lord Jesus,
You see the secrets of my heart.
Purify my intentions, that I may serve You alone.
Free me from the desire to be praised or recognized.
Grant me the grace to practice what I preach,
to love in humility, and to live in sincerity before You.
May all I do be for Your glory and the salvation of souls.
Amen.

Conclusion

Today’s Gospel challenges us to move beyond appearances and live with authenticity. To preach and practice, to act not for the applause of men but for the love of God. With purified intentions, every action—seen or unseen—becomes a step closer to holiness.

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