Teachings from Matthew

This liturgical year is the year of Matthew and after reading several passages from Jesus's sermon on the mount I believe that there is perhaps no better "microcosm" of scripture that is more representative of Catholic Social Teaching than Chapter 6 of the Gospel of Matthew.

I would like to highlight a few passages:

When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. -- Mt 6:2

When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. -- Mt 6:17

No one can serve two masters, He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. -- Mt 6:24

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?...Your Father knows that you need these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. -- Mt 6:25,32-33

and perhaps the best...

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroy, nor thieves break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there also will your heart be. -- Mt 6:19-21


These are great teachings to carry with us this season of Lent.