Take care not to perform righteous deeds
in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
When you give alms,
do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets
to win the praise of others.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you give alms,
do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
so that your almsgiving may be secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
to win the praise of others.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you give alms,
do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
so that your almsgiving may be secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
Matthew 6: 1, 3-4
It is important for
Catholic Christians everywhere who take seriously the invitation to make Lent a
season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to understand the meaning of these
practices. While all three are good in themselves, the real value comes in
association. The individual does well to answer the question, “What is the
purpose of my Lenten penitential practices?" If for example someone is trying
to be a little less negative, the extra time of prayer is a time on a daily
basis when he or she says, “Lord help me to see the good things today,” or
“Lord, help me see the opportunities for good and growth in this situation.”
When that same individual feels a bit hungry, but refrains from popping
something into their mouth, the physical hunger or perhaps restraint, is a
reminder of the sincere desire or “hunger” to be a more realistically
optimistic and positive person. And again, that same individual shares their
time, talent or treasure in situations that by their very nature causes that
same person to be more positive about people and life. In reality, the power of
penitential practices lies not so much in the practice itself, but rather in
the purpose or meaning attached to it.
In the love of Jesus,
Father Lenny Zamborsky
February 20, 2005
For Reflection:
How can you as a Catholic Christian take
seriously the invitation to make Lent a season of prayer, fasting, and
almsgiving? Answer the question, “What is the purpose of my Lenten penitential practices?”
The word secret is a little bit of a problem for me. I associate it with shame. We do things in secret when we are ashamed of the things we are doing. But this turns that idea upside down. Doing things in secret when we are proud of the things we are doing. Being humble when instinct encourages us to behave otherwise.
ReplyDeleteFr. Lenny’s part remind me that all of my habits are meaningful – the habits I want to encourage – and the habits I’d like to break. I feel like he's telling me that if I pay attention to what my habits mean, my actions will have a greater purpose. And he makes it so simple – instead of overwhelming (which is what usually happens to me when I try to change any habits!) I love this one.
Fr. Lenny's comment IS very down to earth...one of those
Delete"Is he talking right to me?" kind of comments! Certainly made me think more about the purpose of penitential practices.
When I heard this blog was being put together, I decided I would "do Lent" this year. It's been many years since I've given up something for Lent. Reading today's reflection on prayer, fasting and alms giving, and considering the question "What is the purpose of my Lenten practice?" has opened the door to a deeper experience and understanding.
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