From the Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 6,1-6.16-18)
At that time, Jesus told his disciples:
"Be careful not to practicing your righteousness before men to be admired by them, otherwise there is no reward for you from your Father in heaven.
So when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in synagogues and in the streets, they may be praised by people. Verily I say unto you, they have received their reward. Instead, when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what your right hand, so that your alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites in the synagogues and at street corners, they love to pray standing in order to be seen by people. Verily I say unto you, they have received their reward. Instead, when you pray, go into your room, close the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret will reward you.
And when you fast, do not become gloomy like the hypocrites, who assume an air of defeat for others to see they are fasting. Verily I say unto you, they have received their reward. Instead, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so people do not see that you are fasting except your Father which is in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret will reward you. "
Biblical Commentary
Penance is the result of a deep conversion process that operates in the depths of my heart for that reason, it is done in secret, away from prying eyes. The change of heart shrinks from all that is flashy, which is why Jesus condemns the attitude of those who make use of penitential practices simply to show that the best and most holy of others. Theirs is a poor reward for they are content with the applause of men
Instead, repentance and true conversion begins first in the heart and silence, and then manifest itself in the fullness of the works and implementation of a life total harmony with the Gospel message.
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