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

When Ash Wednesday arrives there is a sense among believers of all stripes that we are entering a season of opportunity. We know that this is a fixed time during which we can practice spiritual disciplines and take time to reflect on the state of our souls. Perhaps in previous years we’ve elected to “give something up for Lent,” and then lost interest after a couple of weeks of going without coffee or chocolate. It’s likely that we know that a real Lenten discipline means more than giving something up.

Jesus’ words here give a hint. Of course he wasn’t thinking about Lent, but he was speaking about spiritual discipline, namely the practicing of piety. It seems that he was all for such a thing. He knew from his own life that there was a place for fasting, prayer, and the giving of alms. Those practices, he says, will add blessings in our lives. But he does have a caveat! Beware of practicing them before others in order to be seen by them! We know what he means. There is nothing more off-putting than hearing someone crowing about their latest spiritual triumph. Lent isn’t a time for showing off!

That doesn’t mean we will never talk about our spiritual life! Of course, we will share our piety with others–and it wouldn’t even hurt to mention the blessings that have come our way!

Thought for the Day: How have my spiritual disciplines been a blessing?