Friday after Ash Wednesday

Reflection

Young children are typically taught to give up something they love during Lent.  It could be anything from a favorite dessert, to a favorite television show, or even social media — something they love and know they will miss.  As we get older, we still follow this practice but ask ourselves:  Why do we fast?  Are we just giving up something because of how we were raised? Or is our fasting bringing us closer to God?

In the reading from Isaiah today, he tells us exactly what God wants of our fasting.  What he said isn't as simple as giving up your favorite snack.  He says things like, "setting free the oppressed," "sharing your bread with the hungry," and "clothing the naked when you see them."  Hearing these words, it is a reminder that fasting isn't just about giving up something we love.  But rather, fasting is replacing something in our own life with something for someone else.

Every one of us has a busy life.  We don't always take the time to see who is around us.  We hold onto grudges; we keep our heads down too often to notice someone we pass in need; we think first of ourselves and our wants.  This is why it can be easy for us to give up something in our life but may not have a real effect to our daily life.  During this Lenten season, we should take a step back, focus on how we are fasting, and how it actually brings us closer to God.

Prayer

Through this Lenten season, help us to realize ways in which we can fast by giving of ourselves.  Help us to not turn away from those around us but to realize what we can do for them.  Amen.

Maura Grogan, ’14, Member of the Worshipping Community

Scripture
First Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9a
Psalm 51:3-6a, 18-19
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website