1 ‘Be careful not to parade your uprightness in public to attract attention; otherwise you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven.
2 So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win human admiration. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward.
3 But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing;
4 your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
5 ‘And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward.
6 But when you pray, go to your private room, shut yourself in, and so pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
7 ‘In your prayers do not babble as the gentiles do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard.
8 Do not be like them; your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
—
Matthew 6:1-8, NJB
If you’ve been wondering why the influx of these quotes, well — this is the Year of Matthew, and St Matthew is full of things to say about social justice :) Also, Lenten season. I’m an atheist, but I like to reflect on this heritage of mine.
(via mercredigirl)
I’m not much of a Christian, but this is relevant.
Be careful not to parade your uprightness in public to attract attention /—/
when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you /—/
And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them
