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February 25, 1998
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Matthew 6: 16-21
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Jesus Talks About Giving, Praying and Fasting.
Ash Wednesday, the onset of Lent; a time when Christians think of repentance - the ashes remind us that we are mortal - and to dust we will return.
In our text, Jesus says, "when you give, when you pray, when you fast." Jesus just seems to assume or take for granted that we will give, pray, and fast. But his words advise us to be careful how we practice our faith, for he knows we like to be praised, we like to be seen and noticed by others.
He warns, "don't be like the others, like the hypocrites." The word hypocrite was originally a theatrical term describing actors who concealed their identity behind dramatic masks. The sin of hypocrisy then is wearing a mask, pretending to be who we are not. We do not like to be around hypocrites, or to be called one. Hypocritical friends get dropped and hypocritical preachers lose the trusting ears and support of their congregations. The adoration of the crowd is all they get. "Truly I tell you," Jesus says, "they have received their reward."
Looking more closely at what Jesus says, the people that Jesus takes on are sort of missing the boat in their religious life, in giving, praying and fasting. These are people who give to the poor, pray and fast. He is not referring to people who thumb their nose at the church, who do not give, pray or fast. He is speaking about the ones who do. People who practice their faith, are charitable, who pray, and try to live their faith. He is talking about all of us. Those who pledge, volunteer, serve on Church Council, sing in choir and attend Sunday school. He is referring to leaders and members. Jesus said these things because those of faith just did not take their faith far enough. They only went part of the way, when just around the corner was the affirmation and blessing of God. Jesus' reprimand is intended to reclaim us, to turn us around, and not to destroy. God promises to come to us in mercy and redemption. For we are all pretenders, and none of us are worthy of God's love and mercy. God is there to give it, in spite of who we are. God looks behind our masks and loves and cares for us. He invites us to come to the table where we find forgiveness in the Body and Blood of Jesus.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, in this special season, help us to repent, to turn around, to change our lives as we renew our service to your church. Oh Lord, have mercy on us and hear our prayer. Amen.
[Lenten Index | Tomorrow]
