In living the spiritual life, in the willingness to working out the prayer routines and all spiritual exercises, my mind comes across a reflection centered on love; and how it relates to what can look like 'ritualistic' piety.
First and foremost foundation and the pinnacle of our action should be love. These exercises which are inevitably seen by friends and may be people around us are certainly not a show. It simply is our humble expressions to acknowledge Christ and that we are belong to Him: the sign of the cross in public, wearing scarf for women, or wearing crucifix and such are the examples of this. Bearing this in mind, we know and even constantly reminded that we 'bear' that cross --not for nothing-- but to love, just like Christ does. Those holy objects and signs pierce our souls with a blessing and command to love, and not to become showy. Here is the difference: the desire to be showy makes people uneasy and judged -- while the desire to love and to bear witness makes them sense that Christ is in us and with us. But never mind about what other think of us, because everything is in God's providence, and let us simply trust in Him who put a veil before us in his mercy before others, so that we can be what He desires in relation to others. An this thought really assures and encourage me to be constantly wise to put on those beautiful signs as I live in Indonesia, Sumatera to be exact, where Christians are just very small minority.
Another implication of our spiritual exercises as 'not a show-off' is that we are willing to act beyond that. In one Orthodox movie that reminds me about this, there are two faithful being described. One is a faithful boy who lives with his depressed and alcoholic father but has such sincere faith and treats just anyone with love. The other one, a lady being very ardent in the ritualistic piety, failed to show the very love being trained in those practices of prayers. She became kind of rude and judgmental.
It's beautiful though that this film shows that God loves both of these faithful. He rebuked her in a vision, showing her how she failed to love God through others. While at the same time, without realizing it, the boy has done commandments of Christ of loving and mercy.
Yes, we feed our souls on prayers and spiritual exercises, but let this not be the end of itself. Just like my beloved Dad always tell me beautifully, "Keep say Yes to the Lord...." means that He sends us along the way of our lives people whom God wants us to love, no matter who they are. Be kind and loving in every way possible. By then, they know for sure that we are not being pharisaic and our faith is genuine, to the glory of the Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us!
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