I have seen some people fast, pray, and give alms while

making sure they get noticed. One example (this incident

happened a few years ago) is this candidate for a senatorial
position who went to the church and placed himself at the
tip of the line so that when he returns to his seat (after
receiving the Eucharist), almost everyone who is seating
already will see him. He used the church to advertise
himself. Obviously an opportunist.
Since I was a little kid, my parents thought me that when
giving alms to the church, always keep the money in a closed
fist so that nobody will be able to see the amount. At
first, I hesitated and asked how come?. But later on, I
realized that it is a way for us to be humble and not brag
that you are giving alms. Until now, I am applying that
practice when giving alms.
There are times that I join my family in attending mass but
during the celebration, my mind wanders off. I dont listen
to the homily and look forward in going home already. Its
like Im attending it just to fulfill my obligation in
attending the mass every Sunday or just because my parents
told me so. And I know thats wrong. When you celebrate the
Sabbath Day, you must celebrate it with all your heart, with
all your EARS, together with your MIND. You must be focused,
not thinking about anything else (like assignments,
FOOD,..etc) but God. But I really cant help being
distracted by many things that I tend to do the opposite of
what I have just said about celebrating the mass with all
your senses. So now Im becoming a hypocrite because I am
telling all those things but I really dont apply it.

Geo Gingoyon
III Agusan Del Sur