My Best
“And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
Every year, I find the Ash Wednesday Gospel super ironic. The one day when we’re marked with ashes, we are instructed to keep our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving hidden. As if to say, “Attention everyone: I am about to start fasting every Friday! And maybe even during the week! But, now that you know I’m doing it, I’ll keep it hidden. But I just wanted to make sure you knew before I started.”
I find myself a little confused - should I wipe my ashes off? Am I disobeying the Gospel because everyone can see? I’m not very hidden with ashes on my forehead. But that’s not what’s at the heart of this Gospel. The Gospel doesn’t tell us to hide our faith.
There’s a difference between false piety and true devotion.
There’s a difference between false humility and true humility. There’s a difference between faking an injury and actually being injured, and there’s a difference between false piety and true piety. This Gospel encourages us to generously give our best to God - regardless of who’s watching.
I have to give God my best behind closed doors and in the middle of a crowd. I have to give Him my best when I’m alone and when I’m with people who don’t know and love Him. I have to give Him my best when no one can see and when everyone can see - including the people I want to impress. He deserves my best always. Ashes or no ashes, God gets my best.
Father,
Thank You for teaching us about fasting and giving us the opportunity to share our faith today.
Teach us how to live this Gospel well - giving You our best at every moment regardless of who’s watching.
God, we love You. Help us to press into Your love always. Amen.