Ash Wednesday

In today's Gospel Jesus says: " Beware of practicing you piety before others" (Mtt 6: 1). Does this mean we should pull back from being visible as Catholics by  praying in private and keeping secret any signs that we are believers? Some could even say this includes receiving the ashes on our foreheads before we go to work or elsewhere because it offends against his principle. Religion, they maintain, is a private thing and does not belong in public. It does not stop them however from speaking in hushed and admiring tones about Maori tikanga at marae visits as well the religious practices of Muslims during Ramadan or the Buddhists at their special times of year! It is important, as always, to read the text in its entirety. Jesus continues: "... in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven." (Mtt 6: 1) The problem, therefore, is not to be located in the actions of piety themselves but in the motivation. If we can define prayer as "raising one's heart and mind to God" then what is on our heart and mind as we undertake our cultural, social a and spiritual activity is significant. When I go to Church, receive the ashes, say grace before meals, etc, what is on my mind? Am I focused on God or on the approbation/disapproval of others? We pray, go to Mass and receive ashes because this is an integral part of how we articulate our identity as Catholics. These things happen regardless of the presence or absence of others. We do not practice our faith to receive an earthly reward. Let us therefore be focused on Christ this Lent.