FASTING
Isaiah 58:1–9; Psalm 51; Matthew 9:14–15
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?” Fasting is not a competition. It is a form of penance, self-control, and inner purification. Fast, not because John is fasting or because Peter fasted 6 to 6; fast with the right motive.
Moreso, what is the benefit of our fast when we go about exploiting and manipulating? Look around, are we fasting or fighting? Isaiah warns sternly in the first reading saying, “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.” Then he adds; “You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high” (Isaiah 58:3–4).
Therefore, according to Isaiah a true fast must renounce transgressions and engage in practical works of mercy (Isaiah 58:5–10). In fasting, we do not only abstain from food and meat but from sin and wickedness. Fasting is actually perpetual, not seasonal.
However, the obligatory days of fasting and abstinence by the Church are: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In addition, all Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. But if you can fast for fourty days with the right motive, why not? I will stop here for now, but I shall revisit this topic.
Prayer
Father, give us the grace to follow you, not man. Teach us to resist the spirit of unhealthy competition, pride, arrogance, and envy. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
