How is Lent observance reconciled with Matthew 6:16-18?
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Jesus says in Matthew 6:
> 16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
In my experience, Lent observance is a very public exercise. Maybe this is just personal experience, but for everyone I know who observes Lent, they are always very forthright, not only about their observance, but about what thing they are giving up for Lent. It seems to me that, based on Jesus instruction in Matthew 6, Lent ought be a very private practice.
Does Roman Catholicism (or anyone else observing Lent) reconcile the public nature of Lent observance with these verses?
Asked by Thomas Markov
(532 rep)
Feb 26, 2020, 02:18 PM
Last activity: Feb 27, 2020, 01:44 AM
Last activity: Feb 27, 2020, 01:44 AM