Daily Catholic Lectio. Wed, 17 June 2026. Being Seen by People

Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 17 June 2026
XI Week in Ordinary Time
2 Kgs 2:1, 6-14. Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Being Seen by People

As human beings, we are often described as social creatures. We need others in order to grow, to learn, and even to understand who we are. In today’s world of constant communication and social media, visibility has become very important. We often ask: How many people know me? How many people saw my photograph? How many people noticed what I did?

The desire for social acceptance and approval can also influence our spiritual life. We feel happy when others appreciate our generosity. We enjoy public recognition when our efforts are praised. There is nothing wrong with gratitude and encouragement. Yet there is a danger hidden within them.

In the time of Jesus, three religious practices were considered especially important: giving alms, prayer, and fasting. These were meant to draw a person closer to God. They were expressions of faith, devotion, and love.

The problem arose when these practices became performances. Some people began to do good works mainly to be noticed by others. The value of an action was measured by how much public attention it received. Gradually, God’s approval became less important than human approval. The eyes of other people occupied the place that belonged to God.

This is why Jesus gives a strong warning in today’s Gospel: “Beware of practising your righteousness before others in order to be seen by them.” He is not condemning good works. Rather, He is questioning the motive behind them.

When giving alms, praying, or fasting, Jesus tells His disciples not to seek admiration. The Father who sees in secret is enough. The disciple is called to seek God’s approval rather than human applause.

This teaching challenges us deeply. Many of our actions are influenced by what others may think. We sometimes choose words, behaviours, and even acts of charity because we want to be appreciated. Yet Jesus invites us to a deeper freedom. He teaches us that our worth does not depend on public recognition.

When we become satisfied with God’s gaze and our own sincere conscience, we are freed from the constant need for approval. We no longer live for appearances. We live before God.

The first reading offers a beautiful example of this truth. Elijah is taken up into heaven, and Elisha receives his prophetic mission. This decisive moment takes place far from crowds and public attention. There is no ceremony, no applause, and no audience.

Yet Elisha becomes a prophet not because people recognise him, but because God calls him. Even if no one had witnessed that moment, he would still have been God’s prophet.

This is an important lesson for us. Our identity does not come from how many people notice us. It comes from the image of God placed within us. Human recognition may encourage us, but it cannot define us.

We should certainly be grateful for the appreciation and encouragement we receive from others. Yet the deepest affirmation comes from God. Human praise always asks for a response. God’s love is pure gift. It does not need to be repaid. It only needs to be received.

Today, let us ask ourselves: Whose approval am I seeking? Do I perform good works so that others may notice me, or because I desire to please God?

May we learn to live not for the eyes of the crowd but for the eyes of the Father. For the Father who sees in secret knows our hearts, our struggles, our sacrifices, and our love. And His gaze is enough.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai

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