Matthew 6: 1-6

Matthew 6:1 – “Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention.”

Matthew 6 comes in the middle of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, his longest extended teaching in the gospels. This teaching begins with the Beatitudes, a “good news” list for those who are weak, overlooked… Jesus then encourages his followers to be salt and light – positive influences in the world. He then unpacks several laws, getting down to the heart of God found in each of these commands.

In today’s passage (and tomorrow’s) Jesus addresses “showy religion.” Jesus is speaking here primarily to the religious in the crowd..These words get down to the heart of God too. They speak to having a strong, personal relationship with God. Jesus contrasts this with a public, superficial, showy relationship with God. He begins with a bold statement: “Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention.” To these people, Jesus applies the term “hypocrites.”

Speaking to such as these, Jesus says, “don’t blow your trumpet” and don’t wait for a crowd to gather so that “people will see them.” These attention-drawing practices will be ignored by God. Instead, Jesus advises us to give and to pray “in secret.” God, who is everywhere, including in that “secret place,” will see your good works. That is all that really matters.

Should we then never pray in public? Should we never give in ways that others can see? If we are making it all about us, then, no, never. If we are humble and are bringing all the honor to God, then maybe.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to correctly discern how and when to give, pray, fast, serve, worship… There are times when communal or corporate or public giving, praying… is good and right and honoring and pleasing to you. But our humanity can easily cross the line. So Lord, check out pride, shine a light on our ego, keep our focus on you alone. Align our heart with your heart. Thank you. Amen.