FASTING
Fasting was the subject of debate between the disciples of John and Jesus. John’s disciples asked Jesus, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” 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.”
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 when 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).
Hence, Isaiah proposed a true fast against this background. For him, true fast makes us 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). Fasting is not a competition. It is a sign of penance, self-control, and inner purification. During this season of lent, fast, not because John is fasting or because Peter fasted 6 to 6; fast because you want to be closer to God, 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 you during this period of lent, and help us to resist pride, arrogance, and envy. Amen.
Isaiah 58:1–9; Psalm 51; Matthew 9:14–15
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
