Homily (Reflection) for Friday after
Ash Wednesday (28th February, 2020) on the Gospel
Is 58:1-9;
Ps 50:3-6.18-19. (R. v.19);
Matt 9:14-15.
Topic: Why... 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 noted on Ash Wednesday that fasting is one
of the pillars of Lent but why do we 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 warned us that the gate that leads to life is narrow,
cf. Matt 7:13. 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.
Remember 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.
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with others if you consider it worthy.
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