The 40 Days of Lent
Day One
‘Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for the 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.
~~~Matthew 6:1-6
Lord, Help me to practice my Lenten disciplines with the attitude and demeanor that is given to us by Jesus. Too often we are tempted to be showy and self-aggrandizing in our piety. It is clear, from the words of Jesus, that we are to be people of humble heart and giving spirit. I ask your help and strength to achieve that during this Lenten season.
Amen
A Pastor's Thoughts 