Piety

Jesus said, “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.

“So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell 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 alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

I remember crying on my way home from a elementary school concert, because someone had teased me about my outfit. My solo had been flawless and beautiful but I don't remember it. I only remember the stinging wound of judgement. The love and care, beauty and bounty we offer can be destroyed by others' judgements and creulty.

We judge others every day, comparing ourselves favorably to their failures. And in doing so, we move away from God. Jesus taught his disciples that showing off their religious chops is meaningless. The true worship is a humble and loving heart, one that moves away from jusgement and ever closer to compassion. 

Today, I ask God to help me let go of judgement and help me to pray in every encounter and place. May we move from false piety to genuine love, the true gift and sign of God's presence among us.