Public or Private
Here we have Jesus Christ, the marketing manager. Not.
For most modern Christian churches, the idea that we wouldn’t discuss money, that donations are secret, that prayer should happen behind closed doors, these are not the way of the current church. Praying on street corners? Maybe not. But not hiding away either. Clearly things had got out of hand.
And more: there are some churches around Vancouver where folks check in with the stewards table before coming in to worship. Attendance and offerings are ticked off the master list. I haven’t experienced what happens when showing up become irregular or the money doesn’t meet the target. Let your imagination wander in the direction of a visit by the minister and a couple of stewards, asking pointed questions and wondering out loud if there are problems in the household.
Obviously, Jesus had seen enough nonsense that he felt compelled to speak. Piety in public. Not having. And no trumpets, figurative or otherwise.
The obvious message here is “Stop showing off!”, which seemed to have become the standard for religious behaviour, at least in front of Jesus. But we are all post-Victorians, so we know better.
The thing is, prayer, donating, fasting, not accumulating stuff, these are properly between each of us and God. Whether our neighbours are impressed is not part of the deal. What we say to God in prayer is ours alone. And how God answers us is also ours. It’s important to be in community – see the second chapter of Acts – but the direct link to God? That’s the real business of worship and prayer and giving.
Lord, lift up our spirits and hear our voice. Know that it is from within ourselves that we praise you. Amen
John Culter