A Homily on Matthew 5:13–16 : From Good Deeds to God’s Glory (8-2-26)

A simple and challenging reflection on Matthew 5:13–16, inviting us to live so that our good works lead others to glorify the Father. (8-2-26)

Praise be to Jesus Christ 

A retired army man lived quietly in a small town. One day, heavy rain caused sudden flooding; streets turned into rivers, and fear filled every corner. In the chaos, a child slipped into the rushing water and began to drown. People froze, and some shouted for help. Suddenly, without thinking of his own safety, the old soldier jumped into the water, struggled against the strong current, and pulled the child to safety. Joy and relief spread through the crowd, and the parents thanked him with tears in their eyes. Yet what followed was even more powerful. Many young people from that town, deeply moved by his courage, began to respect the spirit of service they had witnessed in him and in the army. Some later chose to join the army themselves, saying they wanted to protect others in the same way they had seen that day.

This is exactly what Jesus means when he says, “they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Let us notice carefully: Jesus does not say people will praise us; he says they will praise the Father. Just as people began to respect the army because of one man’s heroic act, our good works are meant to travel beyond us. They are meant to lead others to God. Parents feel honoured when their children do good; in the same way, our Heavenly Father is glorified when we live lives of love, mercy, and sacrifice.

And here we must ask ourselves an uncomfortable but necessary question. We Christians have built so many institutions in this world — hospitals, schools, colleges, orphanages, homes for the aged. Through these, we serve millions of people. But are they, seeing our works, glorifying our Heavenly Father? Or are some slowly drifting away from God? Are our institutions only giving education and treatment, or are they also giving witness to Christ?

In the Acts of the Apostles, we see the first Christian community: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers… All who believed were together and had all things in common” (Acts 2:42–44). Scripture also tells us that they enjoyed the favour of all the people and that “day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). Their simple lives became powerful preaching. We also see this in the lives of saints. Think of Saint Teresa of Calcutta: people who watched her pick up the dying from the streets did not praise her alone, but many began to believe again in Jesus, because they saw His love alive in her hands.

But today, we often see a counter-witness. We may go to church, we may pray, we may receive the sacraments — yet we are not ready to forgive. We ignore small mistakes of our family members. We carry anger in our hearts. Sometimes people look at us and ask, “Why does he go to church and still behave like this?” or “Why does she pray but cannot show kindness?” Saint James reminds us clearly: “Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17). Our prayers must become patience. Our worship must become mercy.

Saint Francis of Assisi lived this Gospel in a striking way. His simplicity, care for the poor, and joyful humility touched even hardened hearts. Many who met him did not merely admire Francis; they began to love Christ, because his life pointed away from himself and toward Jesus.

This Gospel questions us gently but deeply. In our homes, does our patience and forgiveness help others to believe in God? In our communities, does our way of living make faith attractive? In religious life, do our prayer and service lead people to thank God, or only to notice us?

Dear brothers and sisters, Christianity is not first about beautiful prayers or impressive buildings. It is about living love in ordinary moments — forgiving at home, speaking gently, helping quietly, and serving without seeking recognition. When we live this way, people may not praise us, but they will begin to praise God. That is our mission: to become living witnesses, so that through our small acts of goodness, others may discover the goodness of our Father in heaven. Let our lives quietly teach others to say, “Thanks be to God.”

  Heavenly Father, help us to do good deeds so that everyone may know we are your children. Amen.

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