Greetings on this the Friday after Ash Wednesday
Readings: Is 58:1-9a; PS 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19; Mt 9:14-15
Notes
A reminder that Sundays of Lent are not days of fasting because Sunday is the day of the Resurrection. A day of celebration that, in the resurrection, we have the fulfillment of the promise. We too one day will rise again in Christ. During Lent we don’t have a full on celebratory feast like during the Easter season. No, it is muted somewhat. We suppress the Gloria and Alleluia, for example, reserved for Holy Thursday, the Easter Vigil and beyond.
In the same way, fasting is appropriate during this period of austerity as an expression of humility and dependence. We cannot disconnect bodily fasting from the fasting of Isaiah.
But what is fasting anyway? The technical fast is one meal plus two smaller meals that together do not make a full meal.
Do you recall what I wrote the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday?
Here is the one benefit we must focus on. And also the deeper meaning: the belly worry of the disciples is exactly the same as the thinking of the Pharisees differing only by degree. If left to ferment, it would become identical to the Pharisees in type and degree. See link: http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2024/02/13/different-conversations/
Summary
Fasting as described by the Prophet Isaiah – This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:
- releasing those bound unjustly.
- untying the thongs of the yoke.
- Setting free the oppressed.
- breaking every yoke.
- Sharing your bread with the hungry.
- sheltering the oppressed and the homeless.
- Clothing the naked when you see them.
- and not turning your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Reflection
We are slow to fast. We are fast to do otherwise.
Let us fasten ourselves to the true meaning of fasting: bodily and spiritually, personally and socially.
Personal Reflection
My friends let us keep a celebration on Sundays as a basic to reflect the hope of salvation. Let us fast a true fast as Isaiah demands.
Set someone free today.
First Reading
Lo, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits, and drive all your laborers. Yes, your fast ends in quarreling and fighting, striking with wicked claw. Would that today you might fast so as to make your voice heard on high! This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.
Responsorial
A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Gospel Acclamation
Seek good and not evil so that you may live, and the Lord will be with you.
Gospel
Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry