What are you giving up for Lent?

Ah, right. Yes, I see.

Literary Criticism. Reading something then analysing to death all the writing, characterisation, references to other books, influences by and on other writers etc etc and etc.

What is LitCrit please?

I can't go along with that "consider the lillies of the field" bit. It's a very beautiful passage, but not very practical.

Of course He knew about metaphors - maybe not by that name but he used the concept.

The parables Jesus told are extended metaphors.

I wish I could live like Matthew advises but who does apart from those living in religious communities?

But would Jesus have known about metaphor?

It's not about LitCrit, it's about the way you live your life

You have to get in the same mindset as Jesus Petallus.

Yes MiceElf i know about metaphors

I just didn't think it was a very good metaphor.

I think setting an example, especially to our children, is a very different matter from announcing to the world at large the amount and degree of one's generosity.

Crossed posts. Anno I'd have been before you but I paused to check who said it.

"Be good by stealth and blush to have it fame" Alexander Pope.

"Do good by stealth" is somewhere in the New Testament, isn't it?

Excellent comment Lona. Very true.

But isn't it setting a good example to let others see your acts of generosity. I don't mean boasting about stuff.
If our children don't see us being generous how will they know how to be like that?

"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them"

That reminds me of a proverb I read years ago. "Wear your knowledge like a watch. Strike it only when asked the time, not just to show you have one".

I like that.

It's a metaphor. If you do anything, anything good at all, then keep it tight to your chest. And that's a metaphor too!

As to how many Christians follow that advice, God only knows.

I've still got the bible I won at Sunday School. Need a large magnifying glass to read it now though.

Self denial is supposed to be good for self-discipline. Apparently, the more you practice it, the easier it becomes. Can't see much point in it really. Only more to get hung up about. Why put yourself through it?

Unless it's for charity, of course.

I've just had a look in my mother's old school bible.

A lot of sound moral and psychological advice in chapter 6 I agree.

From my own experience I agree with what Matthew says.

I notice he gets a bit racist (towards Gentiles) towards the end of ch 6 though

Also, how many Christians follow his advice these days?

Finally MiceElf how does not letting your left hand know what your right hand does relate to keeping things to yourself, since both hands belong to you.

I know that last point is pedantic but I am puzzled.

The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6. Lots if good stuff there.

But now I am confused again. See "Selfies" thread and gimmicks to raise money for cancer research. It seems you have to be public about your helpfulness in order for it to work and that's exactly what I dislike.

I like that quote, mice.

Interpretation please?