The Scripture reading is Matthew 6:1-21

Father Mark discusses modern outward displays of piety, including making a big thing of saying “Merry Christmas,” and contrasts such practices with doing the will of God as Jesus taught He encourages us to attend to what lies in our hearts, and our intentions..

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.