A Short Mid-Week Communion Talk
Matthew 6.1-8, 16-18
I don’t know if you’ve ever come across the word “humblebrag”?
It’s a kind of ugly word, in my opinion, but it perfectly captures a particular phenomenon.
It refers to saying something which is designed to seem modest, self-critical or casual while actually highlighting something you’re very proud of.
For example, someone might say “I just spent £2000 on a handbag because I’m so terrible with money”.
Or they might say, “I don’t know why people keep complimenting me on how I look”.
It happens a lot on social media, maybe because it’s easier to do behind a keyboard than directly to someone’s face, where they might laugh or challenge you.
In today’s Gospel reading Jesus talks about the religious equivalent of humblebragging – doing good things to get praise from others.
He highlights those who want to be seen giving money so that everyone will know how generous they are.
Those who flaunt their spirituality and prayer life so as to seem holier than everyone else are also condemned.
And those who make a big deal about fasting so that everyone is impressed by their dedication are also not in favour.
Giving, prayer and spiritual disciplines can be good things to do if done for the right reasons – but those reasons don’t include earthly rewards.
A more recent example I came across was someone saying online that Christians should be exempt from lockdown regulations because of all the work churches do to help others.
I try to avoid getting drawn into online arguments, but I felt I had to point out that we don’t do things for what we can get out of them here, but for heavenly rewards and out of love.
Jesus urges us to do good things quietly and truly humbly, because in this way we’re not motivated by looking good or getting praise.
Instead, we’re motivated by doing God’s will, knowing that even if no-one else notices God does.
We may be noticed and praised, and that’s always nice, but it shouldn’t be why we do things.
Our focus and aim are always to love God and others and do what good we can.
And we can rest assured that every good act and loving impulse is noticed and will be rewarded by our Father in heaven, without any need for us to be religious humblebraggers.
