Marks of genuine Christian spirituality

Readings: 1^st: 2 Kg 2:1. 6-14; Ps: 30; Gos: Mt 6:1-6. 16-18

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

On this Wednesday of the eleventh week of ordinary time, Christ exhorts on authentic Christian spirituality and genuine religion.

Today, Christ reminds us of the three very important aspects of our Christian life and practice: alms giving, prayer and fasting. He teaches us the right attitude to practice them.

The first is: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them, otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.

Here, while acknowledging that helping the poor is a noble act, Christ insists that the dignity of the poor receiver must be preserved.

Also, in prayer, one should approach God with the right attitude and reverence. Humility is very important in prayer. So, one must know that he is in the presence of God, who resists the proud.

In prayer, whether it is vocal or silent, the intention and comportment matter a lot. Even if one has to pray in public place for a good reason, one must avoid making it a “public show”

The third precept that Christ teaches us today is about fasting. First, fasting must be seen as a voluntary practice that helps us to have the right attitude towards prayer.

So, in light of this, Christ is reminding us that we must practice it with a cheerful heart, without irritating any one or those around us, or even making a public show of it.

So, let as God to help to put all that Christ is teaching us in to practice at all time, so that we may live an authentic Christian life and spirituality

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!