The True Fast (Friday after Ash Wednesday)

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The passage of Isaiah 58:1-9a is taken from the third part of Isaiah which reflects the situation of the people of Judah/Israel after the exile. Those who came back from exile had a project: rebuilding of the Temple and the reformation of life. By this time, they had become very much aware that it was their sins that made them suffer political captivity and bondage in a foreign land. Of course, this is expected from the people of Israel who had a deep-seated belief that affliction is connected to sin. As it was the practice, they needed to fast, do penance and be sorry for their sins. But as they fasted and prayed, they felt nothing: it was as if they were pouring water on a stone. They did not feel the nearness of God and His grace. And so, there came a question: “Why have we fasted and you see it not?”


To this, God responded that the people can’t claim to be fasting from their sins while they are still living in sin: “seeking pleasure on fast days, oppressing workers, quarreling and striking the poor with the fist”. No one pours water into a basket hoping to fill it with water. The people’s fasting was fruitless; their penance was worthless! God then made it clear to them that the fast that pleases Him is that they should loosen the bonds of wickedness in their lives; do and ensure justice; undo the thongs of yoke and slavery; and be charitable.


In Matt. 9:14-15, John’s disciples asked Jesus why His disciples do not fast. In His response, Jesus made reference to a Jewish wedding practice in order to help them understand the right spirituality of fasting. In the time of Jesus, wedding feast is a period of great festivity and joy. It is a celebration that takes a whole week or more; and the friends of the bridegroom are expected to be with the bridegroom in a state of joy. If we understand the reason why the Jews fast, then it will be weird to see the friends of the bridegroom fasting while the bridegroom is still with them. Jesus was like the bridegroom; and the disciples were the friends of the bridegroom. Did the disciples then have to fast when there was no need for that?


During the period of Lent, we come to a deeper realization that we distance ourselves from God through sin. We therefore FAST or do PENANCE in order to express sorrow for sin, create a space for God in our lives and seek to reconcile with Him. However, it will be very ridiculous and worthless if we FAST from food and at the same time continue to harbor anger, keep malice and fail to be charitable. There is no point doing PENANCE if we have not made up our minds to change for good.


Prayer:

As we FAST, PRAY and do PENANCE, Lord help us realise how much we've sinned. Please, bring us back and let your face shine on us that we may be saved, Amen!


Have a Fruitful Lenten Journey!



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