True piety “shines through” naturally; it cannot be faked. The more a person strives to be pious, the more people suspect the genuineness of his or her spirituality. On the other hand, true piety is shown more in its being subdued, in the person’s humility. Jesus warns against a type of piety that is only “for show.” And we know it is only “for show” when it is exaggerated or forced, and when we see that the person’s life is not consistent with her or his supposed piety. Fake pious people love conspicuous places; genuine ones retreat to lowly places, like the tax collector in the Gospel parable. Fake pious people talk about their pious practices; genuine ones do not mention them at all, or rarely. True piety or godliness is more seen in the quality of one’s actions, disposition, and behavior. It shines through by the way we treat others, in simplicity and in little things, not in mere appearance or use of tools or instruments. What sort of piety are we cultivating or practicing?

Brothers and sisters, consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God.

“Blessed the man who fears the Lord.” or “Alleluia.”

Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”