Show-off is Ungodly

 Reflection on Today’s Readings, Wednesday of 11th Week in Ordinary Time, Year II, June 15th, 2022

Texts: 2 Kings 2:1.6-14; Psalm 31:20.21.24; Matthew 6:1-6. 16- 18

Jesus Christ condemns show-off in today’s gospel reading. What is actually wrong with show-off, doing things before people? Is it wrong because it is not something God would do? Does God not make His act public? Of course, God do make His act public. But for what purpose does God make His act public? Perhaps, to glorify Himself. No, it could not have been so, He is source of glory, He is full of glory already. Perhaps, to reveal Himself as God. That is true. Is there any difference between show-off and revelation? To reveal is to make the truth known. One reveals himself when he makes the self known. I reveal for good purpose. God reveals Himself to call us into communion with Himself. We do show-off when we do things to rub it on the other's face. We do show-off when we do things for no good reason but self gratification and approval from the other. We do show-off when we do things to show that we are better than the other person. We do show-off when we camouflage and are not real. We do show-off when we do things to get the attention of the other person.  

Show-off  centres on winning glory from man. When we show off we seek reward for our deeds from man instead of God. Show-off is done for man and it glorifies man. Our deeds should be done for God and should glorify Him. Our deeds should be done in God and the reward should be sought from God, not man. There is a big difference between show-off and revelation. When I reveal myself I give away the self but when I do show-off I coat the self and so cover it up. Show-off is not godly; it is not what God does and it is not good for us. Show-off is ungodly not because it is public but because of the end. Jesus Christ Himself says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mt. 5:16).

We see in today’s first reading that we need to be goal driving and shun distractions. In today’s first reading Elisha followed Elijah to the end in spite of distractions and difficulties. Elisha knew what he was looking for and as such he remained undaunted and undeterred. In our journey with God we need to be focused and set their hearts on the prize. Elisha desired the double share of Elijah spirit. It is said, “I beg you, let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” Desiring the double share of Elijah’s spirit could make us look at him as a greedy someone. However, it tells us that we should be daring in desiring good things. We should also know that the more the spirit, the more the responsibility. Elisha also teaches us to persevere till the end, no matter what. He followed Elijah till the end. It was at the end that he was granted his desire. It tells us that our desire, our hope, will be realised at the end of time. We are to persevere till the end.  

God our Father, help us to shun show-off and to persevere till the end, that we might inherit eternal life. Amen  

Fr. Andrew  Olowomuke