Logion 6
| 6. His disciples asking Him said unto Him, "Desirest Thou that we fast? How shall we pray? Shall we give alms? What diet shall we observe?" | Cf. Th 14; Cf. Mt 6:1-18 |
Religious practices are observed only for their value in promoting standards of uprightness in relating to our fellow human beings. Notice that their observance, however, is indirectly the origin of sin (cf. Th 14). If we make a practice of the fast, then breaking the fast is sin. If we pray, then not praying will bring guilt and condemnation. It is not what we do in our religious observances per se that is important, but the attitude of the heart in doing them. Here again, we must remember that eventually private knowledge will become public. Personal integrity must be maintained whatever the particular religious observance.