Piety or showing off?

[Gift_from_God]

So I was reading the Sermon of the Mount a few minutes ago. In Chapter 6 of the Book of Matthew, Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven”

Admittedly, I had not heard this verse before, but I’m not surprised that this would be a teaching from Jesus. Then I remembered that back on Ash Wednesday, while walking around my University’s campus, I kept my head held high to show that I wasn’t embarrassed to show that I’m Catholic.

I got wondering; is that pious or just showing off? I was also wondering; I generally don’t wear a crucifix around my neck, but if I, or someone else did decide to, how would we distinguish between not being afraid to show that we’re Christian and just plain showing off?

 

[EnglishTeacher]

So I was reading the Sermon of the Mount a few minutes ago. In Chapter 6 of the Book of Matthew, Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven”

Admittedly, I had not heard this verse before, but I’m not surprised that this would be a teaching from Jesus. Then I remembered that back on Ash Wednesday, while walking around my University’s campus, I kept my head held high to show that I wasn’t embarrassed to show that I’m Catholic.

I got wondering; is that pious or just showing off? I was also wondering; I generally don’t wear a crucifix around my neck, but if I, or someone else did decide to, how would we distinguish between not being afraid to show that we’re Christian and just plain showing off?

It seems to me that the difference is in your motivation. If a someone is practicing piety publicly for the purpose of having others notice what a good person he is, then his conduct falls under Jesus’s warning in Matthew 6. For example, many of the Pharisees used to make long prayers in public and make a big show of fasting because they wanted everyone to think, “Wow, what holy people those Pharisees are!” It was all an outside show with no real interior devotion or love of God.

If, on the other hand, a person’s “public piety” is done for the purpose of spreading the Gospel and being a witness for Christ, then that is different thing entirely. For example, if you wear a crucifix, it should be to remind yourself, and indicate to others, that you belong to Christ and are not ashamed of him (or something along those lines).

Bottom line: Is it done out of false pride, or out of devotion to God? Christ commands us to “preach the Gospel” and not to be ashamed of him, so I think that practices like wearing a crucifix are one small way to do that. It’s great that you are not ashamed to be Catholic. And if others know that you are Catholic, it could open up the door to conversations with them and give you an opportunity to share the Faith.

 

[Gift_from_God]

It seems to me that the difference is in your motivation. If a someone is practicing piety publicly for the purpose of having others notice what a good person he is, then his conduct falls under Jesus’s warning in Matthew 6. For example, many of the Pharisees used to make long prayers in public and make a big show of fasting because they wanted everyone to think, “Wow, what holy people those Pharisees are!” It was all an outside show with no real interior devotion or love of God.

If, on the other hand, a person’s “public piety” is done for the purpose of spreading the Gospel and being a witness for Christ, then that is different thing entirely. For example, if you wear a crucifix, it should be to remind yourself, and indicate to others, that you belong to Christ and are not ashamed of him (or something along those lines).

Bottom line: Is it done out of false pride, or out of devotion to God? Christ commands us to “preach the Gospel” and not to be ashamed of him, so I think that practices like wearing a crucifix are one small way to do that. It’s great that you are not ashamed to be Catholic. And if others know that you are Catholic, it could open up the door to conversations with them and give you an opportunity to share the Faith.

I actually have nothing to say in response, I just wanted to say that your username made me nostalgic for high school. English class was my best subject

 

[valentino]

Neither you or they would be showing off.Jesus was referring to people who profess holiness so they will be looked up to.They only are seeking people’s admiration.Your case is more to spread the belief in God which is entirely different and would be meritorious.

 

[Madeline616]

It may be helpful to consider this in the light of specific situations/company.

One thing is for sure, if you daily hold your head high as a Catholic, especially when among a group who might look at you as “strange” for being so outwardly Catholic, the Lord will smile upon on you.

Just be cautious about trying to “appear” holy just for the sake of seeking the approval of other devout, pious Catholics. This can be a temptation when you’re among like-minded people, who you know value piety as a virtue and would be “impressed” with your piety.