Renewing our Faith
(NRSV) Matt 6
1 “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.
2 “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. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Concerning Prayer
5 “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. 6 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.
7 “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Today is the beginning of the Lenten season, a time of sacrifice and reflection. Over the next 40 days people around the world will intentionally seek after God. The imposition of ashes upon the forehead reminds us that we were formed in dust and to dust we will return. But that’s not the end of the story for Christ followers.
During Lent we choose something to give up—perhaps forego one meal per day. What can that accomplish? We can take the money we would have used to purchase that meal and donate it to a Food pantry. In place of that meal, we spend time praying, asking God to forgive us of our sins and help us draw closer to Him.
I love that every day we will be focused on building our relationship with God. Lent culminates with the celebration of Easter and the realization that because Christ lives, we íive.
Today’s scripture is a reminder that God desires genuine love and devotion. May this season of Lent result in a renewal of our understanding of Who God is, and who we are in Him.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Seeking Holiness 