Homily (Reflection) for Friday after
Ash Wednesday (3rd March, 2017) on the Gospel
Is 58:1-9;
Ps 50:3-6.18-19. (R. v.19);Matt 9:14-15.
Topic: Why do we... fast?
John’s disciples came to Jesus in today’s gospel with this
question, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not
fast?” (Matt 9:14).
As we enter the third day of Lent, it is important to be very
careful lest one might work for an unintended employer. The question asked by John’s
disciples shows among other things their understanding of fasting. They see it
as a mere fulfilment of the Law. Hence probably they wanted Jesus to command His
disciples to fast.
Although we have I suppose rightly noted that fasting is one
of the pillars of Lent but why do we actually fast? One’s body is his or her
greatest enemy and as a result there is need for constant battle to win this
enemy. Hence, in his first letter to the Corinthians Saint Paul wrote, “I
pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be
disqualified” (1Cor 9:27). He also
wrote “if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit
you put to death the deeds of the body you will live” (Rom 8:13).
Jesus warns us repeatedly that the gate that leads to life is
narrow, cf. Matt 7:13. Maybe that is
why the Psalmist made his body to become gaunt through fasting, cf. Ps 109:24.
We ought to fast for our own spiritual good and neither
because we are told to nor just fast because others are fasting. Jesus fasted
forty days and nights in the wilderness. We ought to follow in His footsteps if
we want to be glorified with Him, cf. Rom
8:17; Jn 14:6.
We must remember how seriously Jesus condemned these
Pharisees who fasted with John’s disciples, Matt 23:25, 27. If anyone wishes to fast meritoriously before God
he or she must avoid the mistakes of the Pharisees, cf. Matt 6:16-17. We ought to fast to put a smile on someone’s face
without trumpeting, cf. Is 58:6-7.
Bible Reading: Is 58:1-14; Rom
7:14-25.
Thought for today: Fast meritoriously before God.
Let us pray: Lord, help us in our fight against
our greatest enemy – Amen.
You are free to share this reflection
with others if you consider it worthy.
For more homilies (reflections):
Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810
298 6313
To Contact
and/or to support this ministry:
Tel: +234 813 305 0302
+234 905
655 4466
May God bless you all+
Post a Comment
Post a Comment