“What we do, let us so do it, as not to seek or desire human applause: let the good work be done publicly, but let the intention be secret, that we may, by our good works, excite others to follow our example, and yet, by the purity of our intention, seek only to please God, desiring they should be known to him.”
Gregory the Great (540-604) as recounted in Short Instructions, Or, Meditations on the Gospels for Each Day in Lent by Pacificus Baker (New York: Christian Press, 1904), 28-29.
As we consider making sacrifices in order to serve others this Lent, let us be sure our hearts are in the right place by blessing our neighbors, but we must not do it for applause. As others see our good works and glorify the Father in heaven, may they be inspired follow our example and, in the words of Gregory, “seek only to please God” along with us.