Daily Lenten Reflections

Friday, February 24, 2023

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Reflection

This initial Friday of Lent we hear from Isaiah and Matthew both emphasizing the necessity of fasting. Isaiah addresses the correct manner of fasting as it relates to one’s relationship with God and others. An authentic fast includes sharing bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless, and clothing the naked. Refraining from food is not the only thing you must do, especially during Lent.

Throughout this Lenten season we are called to act with good will toward our neighbors. If we do not engage with those around us in efforts to lift up those in despair, then we have not done our duty to both God and neighbor. Throughout Lent God calls us to partake in prayer, fasting, AND almsgiving.

Partaking in fasting should not be part of some checklist where simply a box is checked. Fasting is more than a physical discipline regarding diet as it should have a social component which benefits others. If you fast without intent then your fast means nothing. Isaiah asks: “Do you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” We must ask ourselves the same question. Is our fast acceptable to the Lord? Our fast is more than just not eating meat on these Fridays but must include our loving actions towards others as well.

Prayer

Lord, I ask you to give me strength in my hunger, strength in my heart and strength in my actions as I fast for you today. Allow my earnest efforts to be seen by you on this day and throughout the Lenten season. Amen.

Hank Kelly ’23

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

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Mission of Edmundite Campus Ministry

The Mission of Edmundite Campus Ministry at Saint Michael’s College is to share the Good News of the Gospel with the College community by facilitating encounter with Jesus Christ. We do this through the celebration of the Church’s Liturgy, in programs promoting knowledge of the Catholic faith, by developing ecumenical and interreligious relationships, and providing retreats and other opportunities for personal spiritual growth.

The Catholic and Edmundite tradition upon which the College was founded is grounded in the conviction that all women and men are created in the image and likeness of God providing a special dignity unique to each person. Such dignity requires human life to be respected in all of its stages recognizing that we are all children of God.

Therefore, in its pursuit of furthering the Reign of God, the Edmundite Campus Ministry staff seeks to interact with and support every member of the College community in their search for Truth, contributing to the “enhancement of the human person and to the advancement of human culture in light of the Catholic faith.”