Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” vs. 1

Jesus had little patience with religious people. In fact, in this passage he seems to indicate that they are a dangerous influence for those who would be his disciples. In his day people were sorely tempted to engage in pious practices solely for the impression they could make on others. Jesus calls such persons “hypocrites,” a term with which we have considerable familiarity. In our time people who don’t want to be considered hypocrites will often say, “Well, I’m not religious, I’m spiritual!” What they don’t realize is that spirituality, whatever that means, does not make you immune to hypocrisy. Frequently, those calling themselves “spiritual” are even more hypocritical than religious folks. They love to show off their latest spiritual “discoveries” and seem proud that they no longer worship. Jesus doesn’t care whether we’re spiritual or religious–neither gives any heavenly reward. But he does want his followers to be disciples! He wants us to practice the faith with disciplines that have both communal and personal value. He particularly mentions alms-giving, prayer, and fasting. These practices don’t make us religious or spiritual but they have a powerful impact on our relationships to God and neighbor. In doing these things we store up treasure in heaven, and Lent is the perfect time to practice them!

Thought for the Day: What will be my Lenten disciplines?