The Daily Office for July 9, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 7
Numbers 32:1-27
Romans 8:26-30
Matthew 23:1-12
Reading (Matthew 23:1-12)
Reflection
People sometimes do good deeds for the wrong reasons. A doctor produces a new cancer treatment so that more people will rely on her expertise. A prominent historian exposes what he calls the “plagiarism” of a rival’s book so he can grab headlines. A politician proposes a new program to fight crime so he can tip the scales in a close election.
Only God knows our deepest motivations. Like the attention we really want when doing something virtuous. Or the applause we were really after for a job well done. And even the thank you we were seeking after for a supposedly unselfish act. Anything we do for others should not be a reason for publicity and applause. That should not be our motivation. It kind of comes down to showmanship, doesn’t it? Are we doing religious things for applause from others? Are we merely performing? Essentially, we’ve circled back to where we started, for once again we’re called to evaluate: Why am I doing this? If we do any religious or unselfish act, including fasting, for selfish reasons, we need to be changed from within.
Collect for the Day
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.