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Reflect on humility and the importance of unseen good deeds in Margaret Dwyer Hogan's Gospel reflection, inspired by Matthew 23:1-12.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

The heart of this Gospel is directed at us. We would like to think it is about how horrible the Pharisees were, but Jesus is showing His disciples the importance of good moral character, not just in appearance, but in everyday deeds.
 
This, I can accomplish with the Lord’s help. But the second piece is more difficult: not doing things for acclamation or praise, just doing the right thing because that is what is expected of me by my baptism. As a disciple of Jesus Christ.
 
I have always envied people that quietly go about the world, making it better without telling anyone about it. My mom was like this – and my dad. Yes, they were products of the Great Depression and the “silent generation,” but they also believed that your right hand should not know what your left hand is doing. (Matthew 6:3) I discovered so many incredible stories about my parents after they passed. Stories of kindness, charity, and caring for people on the margins of society. Stories I did not know! They just did these things.
 
I like to be recognized. I don’t like the spotlight, but I do like recognition. I know this might not seem like a big deal, but it is. How so? I felt the Lord calling me to pray the Litany of Humility. I ignored it for a long time, but when I did pray it, it changed me in profound ways. “That others may be praised, and I go unnoticed. Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.” That one hit home.
 
The opposite of pride? Humility.

 

Ponder:

How about you? Where do you fall? Are you okay with only God knowing your good works?

 

Pray:

Dear Lord, please reveal to me how to detach from things of this world and focus only on the Father's will in my life.

 

Pray Together:

Set up a jar or bowl in your home. Encourage everyone to write down their good deeds, seal them with tape, and place them in the jar. During Holy Week, gather them into an envelope and put them in the offertory collection at church as an offering to Jesus.

 


March 3-1

Copyright 2026 Margret Dwyer Hogan

 

About the Author

Margaret Dwyer Hogan

Margaret Dwyer Hogan

Margaret Dwyer Hogan is Manager for Catholic Mom. A wife, mom of four children, and former Director of Religious Education at two parishes, Margaret resides in Easton, Massachusetts. She also works with International Family Rosary to promote Rosary prayer in families using the children's Chapters of the Peyton Prayer Guild in 17 countries.