Gospel of Matthew 6:1-4
The Sermon on the Mount [Part 7] - When You Give Alms
Take heed not to do your righteousness before men, to be seen by them: else you will have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory before other men. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving alms may be secret; and your Father who sees in secret will recompense you.
Notes on the Scripture
There's nothing difficult to understand about Christ's teaching on the giving of alms. You must choose: do it to the glory of God, or do it to the glory of yourself. The cult of celebrity seems to have the opposite rule: Try to take credit for any act of charity, whether you are responsible for it or not.
The Church, being composed of people, is no exception to the temptation of pride. There are preachers and parishioners who court celebrity. But the great mass of Christians, lay and clergy, have read Matthew 6 and try to take it to heart. One of my favorite holidays is All Saints Day, when we think of all the millions of people who gave without earthly credit.
This reminds me of a song I loved as a child:
