Friday after Ash Wednesday

Reflection

In today’s readings, people were confronting Jesus asking, “Why do we fast, and you do not see it? Afflict ourselves, and you take no note of it?” There is misunderstanding and impatience among these people, thinking that by following the ritual of fasting and checking off all the right boxes, they would be guaranteed a place in eternity with God, and they are frustrated that Jesus is not immediately rewarding them for their acts of devotion. Their intense desire for life everlasting has prevented them from fully understanding the true purpose of fasting and how this act of humility and faith is supposed to be carried out.

Jesus tells the people their biggest mistake, “Lo, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits.” Fasting goes beyond denying oneself of sustenance and is not done to “show off” or compete with others’ faith and loyalty, but instead, it is an overall humbling of oneself so that there is more to give to the hungry, the homeless, and the unclothed.

What those people were misunderstanding, and what we often forget as well, is that there is no way to earn God’s love or a place in heaven for our salvation is a gift that Jesus has already given to all believers. But while we are on Earth, having faith means acting with and through love. Fasting is just one way to achieve a “contrite and humble heart”, with which we can love as Jesus loved and best embody His teachings.

Prayer

Loving God, please help us never lose sight of why we do what we do, and please guide us back whenever we stray from Your path. I pray that You can help us be in tune with the true meaning of our actions and the impacts they have on others, and I pray that we always strive to act with, through, and in love. Amen.

Vicky Castillo, ’20

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