Четверг

(1 Thess. 5, 1–8; Luke 11:47–12:1) “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1). A distinctive feature of hypocrisy is to do everything for show. Acting in front of others is not hypocrisy, because most of the things that are obligatory for us must be done for people, therefore, among them and in their sight. Although those who manage to do everything secretly do better, this is not always possible; That is why those who act in plain sight cannot immediately be reproached for wanting only to be ostentatious or to act for show. They may have a sincere desire to do good, and showing off is a necessary accompaniment of deeds performed externally. Hypocrisy begins from the moment when the intention is not to do good, but to show only oneself doing good. And this again is not always criminal, because it can be a momentary onslaught of thoughts that are immediately noticed and driven away. But when one sets out to establish a reputation for doing good, then there is hypocrisy that goes deep into the heart. When all this is added to the hidden goal of taking advantage of the benefits of such a reputation, then there is hypocrisy in all its strength. Look, everyone, what the Lord requires when he commands to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.” Do good according to the desire for good for others, according to the consciousness of God’s will, for the glory of God, and do not worry about how people look at it - and you will avoid hypocrisy. You might be interested in: