SAINT ALOYSIUS GONZAGA, RELIGIOUS (MEMORIAL)

. . . your heavenly Father.

We know from the Gospels that at Jesus’ baptism, God the Father identified him as his “beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). And because Jesus is God’s Son, he can call almighty God “Father.” But early in his ministry, Jesus revealed something incredible when he referred to God as “your heavenly Father” (Matthew 6:1, emphasis added). With that one word, “your,” Jesus made it clear that we are God’s children. Like Jesus, we, too, can call him “Father” and have a personal, loving relationship with him.

God loves you! He doesn’t intend for you to pray, fast, or give alms in order to impress him—or anyone else for that matter. Rather, he asks you to do it out of gratitude for his love for you.

Jesus said that God “sees in secret” what you are doing (Matthew 6:4). But know that your heavenly Father does more than just observe your actions. He really sees you. He understands all your fears and struggles as well as the deepest desires of your heart. He sees all your efforts to please him. And he is especially pleased when your good works are “hidden”—that is, when they are done just for him (6:18).

Jesus promised his disciples that God would “repay” them for their acts of faith (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18). But he wasn’t describing a worldly transaction. No, your Father repays you by drawing you close to his heart. He helps you to see that your deepest identity is as his son or daughter. He helps you to understand that as your Father, all the events and details of your life fall within his care and provision. He assures you that nothing can separate you from his love.

The next time you turn to the Lord in prayer, pass up a dessert, or donate to your favorite charity, remember why you are doing these things. It’s not to make yourself more worthy of God’s love. Neither is it to make people think more highly of you. You are doing these things because you are a child of your heavenly Father. Today in prayer, thank your heavenly Father for inviting you into a relationship with him. Then let him “repay” you with his love, mercy, and grace.

“Jesus, thank you for revealing that God is my Father.”

2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Psalm 112:1-4, 9
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18