19.06.2024 – St. Patrick Catholic Church, Largo, FL

True piety and devotion to God

2Kings 2:1, 6-14, Psalm 31, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Today we read a very interesting story. The transmission of power from Elijah to his disciple Elisha. The beauty of this story is the continuation of Elijah’s work in the ministry he passed on to his faithful follower, Elisha. Equipped with a double share of Elijah’s powerful spirit, Elisha was to continue the vital work of prophesying, speaking truth to the powers of his day.

Elijah had mentored Elisha and taught him everything he knew. Elisha remained with his mentor until the very end, trying to absorb as much of his spirit as possible. Before the chariots of fire arrived to carry Elijah to heaven, Elisha begged to inherit a double share of his teacher’s spirit and his wish was granted.

This reminds us of the people who have shaped our own life and led us to understand our own mission in the faith – our parents, catechists, teachers, guardians, mentors. We thank God for them and their good influence on us.  If we are open, God may show us how to continue their legacy and live with a double portion of their spirit. Having received the faith from our fathers, teachers, pastors, how do we pass on the faith to the next generation? Transmitting the faith is at the core of the calling of every true Christian. Have I been able to pass on good character, virtues, morals and the faith to others?

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us the real essence of every true prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. True piety and devotion to God should be the reason for all our religious acts. The Jews considered these three (prayer, fasting, and almsgiving) as the cardinal works of the religious life. These were seen as the key signs of a pious person, the three great pillars on which the good life was based. Jesus pointed to the heart of the matter. Why do you pray, fast, and give alms? To draw attention to yourself so that others may notice and think highly of you? Or to give glory to God?

The Lord warns his disciples of self-seeking glory – the preoccupation with looking good and seeking praise from others. True piety is something more than feeling good or looking holy. True piety is loving devotion to God. It is an attitude of awe, reverence, worship and obedience. Whether we are praying, preaching, giving alms, doing charity, fasting, faith outreach or evangelizing, anything we say or do should be with due humility and for the glory of God not for our self-glory or praise.

We pray today for the gift and working of the Holy Spirit which enables us to devote our lives to God with a holy desire to please him in all things (Isaiah 11:1-2).