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1“Beware of practicing your righteousness 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.

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.

And whenever you fast, do not look somber, like the hypocrites, for they mark their faces to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[h] consume and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

Today is Ash Wednesday, and this reading from Matthew’s gospel is truly fitting. Throughout the reading, Jesus is referring to how we, as servants of a servant Lord, should serve others in our spiritual practices: with humility.

Christ came to serve the world and to glorify His Father. Every action he took was never to bring glory unto himself or attention to his acts of good. He simply sought to help those around Him so that they could be witnesses to the love of God.

As we begin the season of Lent, I would encourage everyone to reflect on how your relationship with Christ is reflected in your daily life. How can we, as followers of a servant Lord, find ways to share God’s gracious love with those around us? Whether it is through giving, serving, listening or simply setting aside time to be present in the lives of our family and friends, find a way to let Christ’s love overflow into the world that is desperate for a foretaste of God’s Kingdom.

Almighty Savior, guide our hearts into humble service to the Father, so that your Kingdom comes amongst us now. Amen.

Chad Ryberg

Cryberg@livinglord.org

 

Prayer Concern: Help us to seek repentance as we need