True Fasting
Isaiah 58:1-9; Psalm 51; Matthew 9:14-15
In today’s fasting was the subject of debate between the disciples of John and Jesus. John disciples asked; “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often but your disciples do not fast?” Is fasting a competition? However, in response Jesus said to them “The wedding guests cannot 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.”
Both the Pharisees and John’s followers fasted many times every week. Fasting is a sign of sadness, self-control, and inner purification. It mostly conveys a deep yearning for God. In response, Jesus makes use of the idea of fasting to declare that the God the Jews have been waiting for has come. The proper response to the presence of divine kindness made manifest in Jesus is joy rather than lamentation.
During Lent, we eat in thanksgiving for God’s compassionate love while fasting from oppressive behavior toward others around us. Of what relevance is our fast when we go about cheating and manipulating figures? Isaiah condemns this attitude in the first reading, he says; “…on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high” (Isaiah 58:3-4).
So, Isaiah speaks of a true fast as against false impression. For him, true fast makes us to renounce our transgressions and engage in practical works of mercy (Isaiah 58: 5-10). Beloved, do not fast out of routine or mere show like the hypocrites (Matt. 6:16). During this season of lent we are not in competition – know your strength and do the best you can.
LET US PRAY
Father, give us the grace to follow you not man. Teach us to resist the spirit of unhealthy competition, defend the best we can offer to you this period of lent and help us to resist pride, arrogance and envy. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
