The Secrets We Keep (S15 Episode16)

In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has instructed us on how to pursue the flourishing life by way of properly practicing our virtues. This Sunday, Jesus gives instructions around fasting.

Now, it isn’t immediately obvious to the most casual observer how fasting contributes to spiritual formation. Which means of course, we will need to unlock this riddle by way of contemplation on the nature of dogs. So, that will be something.

But beyond the actual fasting question, there is something amidst Jesus’ instructions that is easy to miss. In terms of giving, prayer, and fasting, Jesus commends doing them all, in SECRET. Strange.

Secrets are a fascinating thing. I am going to need your help on Sunday unravelling a true mystery. When someone says to you, “I need to tell you a secret, but you can’t tell anyone,” does anyone truly mean ANYONE? Turns out, the nature of secrecy just might help us unlock a deeper layer of meaning in Jesus’ advice for finding the Good Life.

We are going to need to talk about secrets, why having a dog taught me about fasting, and, of course, why Sponge Bob SquarePants may hold the secret to secrets.