Eat less – share the difference
Greetings on this the Friday after Ash Wednesday
Readings: Isaiah 58:1-9a; Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19; Matthew 9:14-15
Summary of True Fasting
Seek good and not evil so that you may live, and the Lord will be with you (Amos).
True Fast in Our Relations
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 (Isaiah).
True Fast in the Spirit
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 (Psalmist).
True Fast in the Gospel
The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” 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.” (Matthew)
In the season of Lent we are reminded of true fasting by the Prophets Amos and Isaiah, by the psalmist King David and by Jesus in the gospel of Matthew.
On Sundays of Lent we do not fast. It is the Day of Resurrection with Jesus and a reminder of the divine promises! But every weekday and especially Fridays we abstain from meat and fast from being fully sated in the belly. Not for show but as an offering to help others in their needs. Give the money for meat to the poor and the second meal to the suffering.
Seek good and not evil so that you may live, and the Lord will be with you (Amos).
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030725.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry