HOMILY OF WEDNESDAY 11TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: PURPOSE OF PIETY
BY: Bishop Gerald M. Musa
‘Eye service’ (oculus servietes) is the act of doing a good thing just to be noticed, praised, and commended. Jesus vehemently warns against eye service in exercising piety (devotion to religious duties and obligations). He says, “Beware of practicing your piety before men to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).
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He specifically mentions the dangers of eye service in the exercise of three basic elements of religious piety: charity, prayer, and almsgiving. The factors that defeat and corrupt the purpose of piety include: self-promotion (blowing our trumpet), doing good works just to be noticed or for public admiration (parading good deeds before men), and an attitude or belief in one’s moral superiority (self-righteousness). Public philanthropy and charity are often strategies for politicians seeking election, but Jesus says the reward for an outward show of piety is minimal—momentary praise from people.
Conversely, piety that is cheerful, discreet, gentle, and guided by pure intention receives a bountiful reward from God, who sees in secret. How pure are our motives when we do good works? Do we do the right thing with the wrong motive? Do we do good to seek praise for ourselves, impress people, or channel the glory to God?
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