Lent

February 26, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Concerning Fasting

‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 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.

Concerning Treasures

‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:16-21

Food and water are necessities of life, and in some places on our earth, people do not even have food to from which to fast. Giving up food was and still can be a very meaningful part of life to give up and see how its absence impacts our lives. I attended a dinner where speakers presented information on poverty in the USA. We were all seated in a large room, and the servers began to distribute plates of food. Some got a nice plate of food with baked chicken breast, green beans, scalloped potatoes, and a slice of warm bread. Others got a bowl of watery rice. It was disconcerting, to say the least. The people at my table did not know what to do. Someone said, “We get the point; surely they will bring more plates of food, but that did not happen. Eventually, someone at my table of people started cutting their servings in half and offering one-half to those with the bowl of watery rice.  Lesson learned before any of the speakers walked to the podium to speak. Whether we give up food or time wasted on frivolous activities, changing our schedule and refocusing our resources, including time, can and should be a growth experience in serving God. For, indeed, where your treasure is, there your heart will be also, and we might be surprised to find that we are missing the mark in so many ways by not intentionally using our skills and talents for the good.

Prayer:
Open my eyes that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine.  Amen.

First verse of the Hymn Open My Eyes by Clara H Scott, see at https://hymnary.org/text/open_my_eyes_that_i_may_see

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.