Monsignor Enrique Díaz Díaz shares with Exaudi readers his reflection on the  Gospel of Wednesday, June 17, 2026   entitled:  “ Let all his faithful love the Lord” .

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2 Kings 2:1, 6-14:  “A chariot of fire appeared, and Elijah ascended to heaven.”

Psalm 30:  “ Let all his faithful ones love the Lord”

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18:  “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

We all know the classic tale of the noisy cart that could be heard from afar: it carried nothing, it was empty. One of the dangers of modern society is superficiality. Relationships have become so fast-paced, distant, and casual that they offer the opportunity to appear as something we are not. It’s not uncommon for people to change their personality, dates, and even their name when sharing information online. We live in illusion and fantasy, afraid to reveal our true selves. This is especially true among young people and through the internet, but it occurs in all areas of life. We have made life a facade. Today, Jesus invites us to seek what is truly valuable by looking deep within our hearts. Appearances don’t matter, neither those of the ancient Pharisees who flaunted falsehoods, nor those of the hollow figures of today who don’t reveal their true selves. What matters is what God sees: the inner being of each person. What lies within you? Perhaps to others you appear successful and full of happiness, but is that what’s in your heart? For the Pharisees, it was the outward appearance of goodness, fasting, and prayer… today, perhaps these values ​​are outdated, but hypocrisy and the desire to appear as something one is not have not. To bear fruit, one must sow. He who sows little reaps little. This example, which might seem to apply only to the fields, is entirely relevant in our midst: even today, there are those who are merely leaves and bear no fruit; even today, there are those who make noise but have no substance. Giving produces true joy. How can young people be so happy communicating with people they don’t even know and who live miles away? Yet, they are cold and calculating with their own families and those close to them. It’s easier to put on a show. Jesus insists that we must give, and give joyfully and promptly, willingly and secretly. May this joy and generosity be the hallmark of a disciple of Jesus, and let us set aside appearances.