GOP Gospel: Public Piety

Day 4 of my Lent project. For background, please read this.

A reading from the Gospel according to the GOP:

"Practice your piety before others in order to be seen by them, for in so doing you testify to the goodness of your Father in heaven, and your Father in heaven will reward you accordingly.

"So whenever you donate to charity, do so visibly, so that your Father, who has given you wealth to donate, can be glorified through you, and you will receive your reward, both on earth and in heaven. Keep your accounts assiduously, so your donations can be deducted from your taxable income and thereby honour your Father's wishes, for he has intended these blessings for you, not for the government.

"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who profess to be believers but hide the light of their faith from the mocking crowd. Pray as boldly and as publicly as you can, praising the Lord on street corners and before the congregations, so that as many as possible can see how earnestly you believe; your example will bring them also to the Lord. Truly I tell you, your Father rewards you on earth as he does in heaven. When you are praying, let your words pour forth like a stream of fresh water; your loquaciousness will bring you regard among men, and every sentence glorifies your Father, and every glory is added to your celestial account. Be audacious in what you ask for, so that when it is granted, it will be seen to be granted, and those who witnessed you praying will witness that your Father granted your desire."

( Matthew 6:5-8 )