February 9, 2020, Matthew 6:1-8 – ISSL Reflection

I.
This week we hear Jesus give some practical and concrete examples of what he thinks “religion” is about.

We hear him mention “practicing your piety.” I guess “piety” is about religion? After you read through this passage several times what definition of “piety” do you come up with?

II.
Matthew 6:1-8

“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.

“When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the GentilesWe hear him mention “practicing your piety.” I guess “piety” is about religion? After you read through this passage several times what definition of “piety” do you come up with? do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

III.
Here’s a thought, well actually some “homework” for you. Take a sheet of paper (it’s ok if it takes several sheets of paper. Draw a line down the center and label one column “Do” and one column “Do Not,”

You know what comes next, don’t you?

Based on what Jesus said (and you can include what he strongly implied here, but let’s keep it to this brief passage) put in each column what you Do (and should Do) and Don’t Do (and should not Do) when you put your piety into practice as Jesus outlines here.

Now that I think about that again, this could be four columns or maybe you could color-code you reflections, and/or use highlighters.

What do you hear Jesus speaking to you today?

chales
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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