THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Friday after Ash Wednesday, 2023

Isa 58:1-9a

Ps 51

Matt 9:14-15

Will you call this a fast…?

Dear friends in Christ, on this Friday following Ash Wednesday, we are called to reflect on what kind of fast we impose on ourselves. Before we go too far into the season, there is the need to examine how we fast, lest we go hungry without a reward from God. It takes some willpower to fast—to go hungry, but is hunger enough for a fast? Of what use is my fast, if it does not go with deeds of goodness and social justice?

Our first reading today comes from Isaiah 58:1-9. God through this prophet tells us, that it is not the fasting itself and not the external show of religion that does matter. The people had complained, “Why have we fasted and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves and you take no knowledge of it?” Many people today ask the same questions. Where is God in our troubles, why is he not answering our prayers, despite the efforts we are making? We have prayed with no solutions in sight, why? God answered through the prophet, in a way that pricks the heart and calls us to reflect more deeply so that we are not simply fasting because we have been asked to fast, while still living the old way. “Behold, in the day of your fast, you seek your pleasure, and oppress all your workers… You fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with the wicked fist.” Will you call that a fast? Think deeply about what you do while fasting. If you continue to cheat others and behave wickedly towards your neighbor if you continue to deal deceitfully with others and to fight and quarrel, will you judge that fast? On the other hand, God teaches what a true fast is, “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bond of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked to cover him and not to hide from your flesh?” Fasting is living a good life, particularly the works of mercy. One who needs God’s mercy must first show mercy to his neighbor.

The question put to Jesus by the disciples of John in today’s Gospel (Matthew 9:14-15) is an eye opener, on how Jesus wants his followers to fast. It must not be a matter of routine, or just because it is a tradition to fast. Fasting must come because there is a need for it. The presence of Jesus with his disciples is like a marriage feast, someone who does not want to eat or drink, is not expected there. But when he must have gone, the disciples will themselves see the need to fast and follow his instructions on how to fast. Why are you fasting? How are you fasting? You have no reason to fast if you are not talking to your neighbor and are not willing to forgive; you are just going hungry if you are treating your subordinates poorly. May the Lord not treat us according to our sins. Amen.

Word for today: “when the bridegroom is taken from them, they will fast.” (Matt 9:15)

Let us pray: Lord, accept the sacrifices of our fast, help us to fast in the way that is pleasing to you and rewarding to our faith. Amen.

+Remain blessed