The Lenten Pilgrimage - Day 7
Wednesday, February 24th
“ Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1
We have embarked upon an inner spiritual journey. The Season of Lent invites us to do the necessary inner work of the soul in order that we might live our outer lives of discipleship more faithfully. An authentic outer witness requires diligent inner work.
Jesus warns us against religion for show, calling out false piety performed for the crowds. Though we may impress our neighbor with outward religious acts, God knows our hearts. And virtuous acts with self-serving motives will always produce bland fruit with a dismally short shelf life.
These are days to do the quiet work of the soul, days for prayer, for searching the Holy Scriptures and for serving our neighbor in hidden ways.
Lent invites us to seek no reward other than the delight of our Father in heaven.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we confess our propensity to want praise for our pious acts. We confess our
desire to receive credit for the good we do. We long for the kind of purity of purpose to which
you call us as your followers. We seek your grace to live, love and serve in ways that honor
and glorify you, without any desire for the spotlight. Save us from every expression of
surface, hollow religion. Grant us grace to do the diligent and careful work required for inner
holiness and righteousness, to your glory. In your name we pray. Amen.
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