Practicing Piety

‘Beware of practicingyour 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

Piety is a word we don't often hear these days. Yet, there are plenty of people who love to be seen. Whether it is someone campaigning, declaring their righteousness and insights, or those who let us know how good they are by how much they exercise and how healthy they eat, we are often overwhelmed and challenged by their "piety". They want attention more than anything. Like the person who, in a crowded restaurant, declares at the top of their lungs about their amazing diet, they get their reward. A shallow reward it is. We are invited to draw near to God in a quiet place, hidden from view, and truly open our hearts there. God is always near us, and we are encouraged to be near to God.

Wondrous Creator, we find you in secret

in the honest places, next to broken hearts

you dwell in the mess of our daily lives

and lift us up in our times of great sorrow.

We love attention and acclaim so much

we love to show off our gifts and skills

like little children needing to lead the others

we push and show our way to the line's front.

Help us to seek you in the early mornings

in the hidden rooms and shadows at night

give us your spirit so we might life up others

making you love known in our daily service. Amen.