Devotion for Ash Wednesday 2012
February 22, 2012 by Lillie
Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when 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 when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ~ Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18
Heavenly Father, I want people to know when I give, pray, or fast. But Your Word reminds me that the only One who should know is You. Help me to remember that what I do I do for You. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
Really inspiring words! A nice way to reflect in this important day as Catholics.
Thank you, Jeremy. I am not a Roman Catholic, but a member of the holy catholic church, the Body of Christ. While many Protestant denominations don’t observe Lent, liturgical churches, such as the Anglican Church to which I belong, to.
Lent here in Ontario Canada is always heralded by ‘Roll Up The Rim To Win’ from Tim Hortons(coffee shop) – Honestly, Lillie, I dont know why, but I do believe the founder, who is dead now, may have had a christian influence. It’s ironic, I am Catholic and am proned to give something up as reminder of Christ’s sacrifice – and it’s usually, you guessed it – coffee! So I guess I’m giving up both!
james,
Is Roll up to the Rim … some kind of contest? Maybe they are trying to keep people like you from giving up coffee for Lent.
A beautiful quote! I like how the wording of the quotes you choose are a perfect balance of austerity, prudence, and hope. At least that’s how I see it.
Thank you, David. Each year during Lent, I follow a plan for Scripture verses to read each day. I record the verses in my journal and add my prayers. The next year, I post the readings and prayers. So what I’m posting this year is from my Lenten devotions in 2011, and my journal for this year’s Lenten devotions will be posted on my blog next year.
Great quote, sometimes I feel people get lost in their love for the Farther and forget other peoples beliefs.
Kyle,
We should focus on our faith and not put on a show for other people.
This is a very good reminder. I always try to say the Rosary in my car on the way to work. Just me and God.
A very good use of your commuting time, Brian!