Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21:
Be careful not to parade your uprightness in public to attract attention; otherwise you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. 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. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know that your right hand is doing; your almsgiving must be in secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward 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. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward. 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.
When you are fasting, do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do; they go around looking unsightly to let people know they are fasting. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put scent on your head and wash your face so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moth and woodworm destroy them and thieves can break in and steal. But store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where neither moth or woodworm destroys them, and thieves cannot break in and steal. For wherever your treasure is, there will your heart be too.
Spiritual growth has been described as a movement having three phases: Purgation, or letting go; Illumination, seeing the Light of Christ; and Union, living in the Light. Bernard Barton [1784-1849] describes something of this journey in this hymn text: Walk in the light! And thine shall be a path, though thorny, bright: For God, by grace shall dwell in thee, and God himself is light.
- What image of “letting go” comes to mind?
- How might you express an encounter with the light of Christ?
- What comes to mind in the words, “God, by grace shall dwell in you, and in God, there is no darkness at all”?
The Icon Through Western Eyes by Russell M. Hart
You can read the book in its entirety and share in the beauty of the icons. A suggested contribution of $20 to the Center for Spiritual Formation as a donation to the Center is appreciated. Thank you for being a part of the Center’s work in teaching, leading, and sharing as spiritual companions, seeking to be the still quiet voice of the Spirit in our world.