What is the secret to a happy (not necessarily prosperous) life? It's very simple - kindness and generosity. We create the world that we experience. Lives lived out in love and service will be happy and blessed lives - even in the midst of struggle or difficulty. Selfish and loveless lives, on the other hand, will be lonely and sterile. What we give must be done cheerfully for kindness with either calculation or resentment is useless.

If no one was able to see our acts of kindness or religious devotion would we still do them? That is an important question for it goes to the heart of the matter: the true intention of our heart. We have all seen (and perhaps we have sometimes been!) individuals who make a great display of their donations, prayers, and pious practices. Perhaps they like to be seen as a 'spiritual person.' The adulation, praise, and respect of others can easily inflate the ego and fuel our pride and this is the enemy of the spiritual life. Jesus is telling us to renounce recognition and praise - and it is more difficult than you think! We like to be noticed and we feel distressed if we think that we are not appreciated or recognized. But as a spiritual practice just begin praying and doing acts of kindness or thoughtfulness in secret, content in the knowledge that God sees and is pleased. We will then be truly free.