Renewing Christian Hope: Choosing Joy

THE WORD IN LENT - Friday after Ash Wednesday

February 19, 2021: Isaiah 58: 1-9a; Matthew 9: 14-15

What is the purpose of fasting... give it a thought just now, before you proceed to reflect on the Word today. Some one could think to oneself, I wish to come down by at least 10 kilos at the end of the lent! And another could say, the next forty days will help my diabetes! What is your purpose...why do you fast?

What if you fasted the whole day and because of it you get irritated and frown on every one whom you come across? What if you prayed for a long three hours and on coming out you lose your head on the first person you meet! What if you intend to give away everything you have to the poor and the homeless, but you cannot give even a sincere smile to the one living with you at home?

Fasting should make us more controlled; it should make us more detached; more calm and serene! It should fill us with joy that comes from the fact that we have participated in the sufferings of the Lord, not proud of it or haughty about it! Fasting cannot be for feeding one's ego and a means of self-justification. Fasting is a choice, a choice for joy, the joy that comes from Christ, the joy that gave the apostles the courage to go on in spite of the threats and dangers. They were filled with such hope, that no pain would make them lose heart. They were filled with joy to suffer for Christ.

How joyful am I, when I fast?