Private Piety

‘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

We all enjoy being the center of attention, although some enjoy it more than others. As Episcopalians, we love to dress us and parade around in church, sporting beautiful vestments and the like. Unfortunately, that is symbolic and not necessarily faithful. It is what we do when no one is watching that matters. Are we cursing others when we are alone, not willing to confess our faults and pray in the privacy of our rooms? We are invited today to examine ourselves, inwardly and honestly. Jesus pushed the disciples to do so and urges us as well.

Gracious Creator, heart of love and forgiveness

you call us to a life of humility and prayer

a life full of self-sacrifice and grateful service

so the world might see you love made visible.

We love the limelight and the attention

we revel in being leaders, full of strength

yet you call us to be weak and humble

more ready to forgive than go to war.

Help us Lord, to shed the dazzling trapping 

instead, make us people who serve daily

let our piety and worship bring you honor

for you are the source of love and life always. Amen.