If you have grown up Catholic, or even if you came into the faith as an adult, you have probably been asked or thought about: “What are you giving up for Lent?”
And though technically what we give up for Lent is a different category, today’s first reading and gospel focus on a related topic, fasting…both the how and when to fast. If you were looking for an easy way out from the sacrifice of fasting, at first glance, you might point to either of these readings and figure you’ve got it made. (Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, reducing our meal portions, and not eating in-between meals is a good spiritual discipline, provided that our health permits.)
However, there is always more, something deeper when it comes to following God. First, there is a passage that I think most of can relate to…it is when the people of God say, “Why do we fast and you do not see it, afflict ourselves, and you take not note of it?”
In other words, “God, can’t you see what I’m doing for you? Why don’t you reward me or at least spare me from harm?”
God responds by saying, in so many words, your attempts at fasting are not leading you to care for one another but are in fact taking you in the wrong direction! (For example, if I gave up coffee for Lent, especially in the morning, it could be very counterproductive! I think we all have our own examples.)
God, through the prophet Isaiah, specifically says this is the type of fasting that He wants: releasing those bound unjustly (including those we bind by our words and actions), untying the thongs of the yoke (imagine giving people more freedom from work or emotional stress by helping them), setting free the oppressed, sharing your bread with the hungry, providing shelter and clothing to those in need, especially when you see them and…not turning your back on your own.
Each one of those acts is Christ-like; each one requires some sacrifice, in some cases fasting or reducing our free time, sleep, or money in the short term.
But God promises that, if we seek to and follow through on these works, then we will receive vindication, and the glory of the Lord shall be our rear guard; God will protect us.
And, in the long run, most importantly, if we live in this way, when we call, “…the Lord will answer…when we cry for help…He will say: Here I am!”
My brothers and sisters, perhaps some of you have reached the age or health status where fasting from eating as a spiritual sacrifice is not healthy. In that case, God is calling you to grow in love for Him and each other by sacrificing what we can to serve our brothers and sisters in need and to grow closer to God as we unite these works to Him.
So, I would like to invite you to join me before the end of today to find at least one person we can help through making the time to give them what they need in God’s Name. That is the kind of offering that will give glory to God and unite our lives to Him and to all that we serve.
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
- To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
