"All their works are performed to be seen."
Matthew 23:5
Yep, that sounds about right. We humans have such a need to be seen and lauded for doing good stuff. It certainly isn't a new human trait if Jesus felt the need to mention it two thousand years ago. Being seen and praised for doing good gives us a satisfaction and thus rewards us right then and there. But, Jesus wants so much more from the good we do; Jesus wants us to have the right motives. In other words, Jesus wants us to do good from our hearts, not from our desire to be praised or rewarded. Jesus wants us to help the poor because we love the poor, not just to get a pat on the back or a plaque with our name on it, or even a tax deduction. The readings for Ash Wednesday spell it out so clearly. "Take care not to perform righteous acts in order that people may see them..." (Matthew 6:6) In today's Gospel (Matthew 23:1-6, 16-18) Jesus isn't calling out the "bad" people, but the scribes and the Pharisees, i.e. the church leaders! Jesus is pointing out that, even those who are supposedly walking the correct path are prone to doing right things for the wrong reasons...to be seen. As we continue our journey through Lent, 2013, let's examine our own reasons for doing the right things. Love, heidi
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