The fasting that I wish: Setting free the oppressed breaking every yoke
I recently was communicating on Facebook with a friend from Florida. His name is Pastor Dan H and he was a pastor at the VA at Bay Pines, Florida. He was friends with some of the Priest’s from my old parish who were also VA pastors. Dan and I served on teams together, so we knew each other pretty well. We were both Veterans. He was a retire Navy Chaplin.
Not being Catholic his impression of Catholics preparing for Lent was that we gave up things for Lent. To him it seemed Catholics only focused on the discipline of giving something up and not the Spiritual. I encouraged him that we as Catholics do not just give things up for Lent
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1435 says, “Conversion is accomplished in daily life by gestures of reconciliation, concern for the poor the exercise and defense of justice and right, by the admission of fault to ones brethren, fraternal correction, revision of life, examination of conscience, spiritual direction, acceptance of suffering, endurance of of persecution for the sake of righteousness. Taking up one’s cross each day and following Jesus is the surest way of penance. “
Since I was working on today’s devotional I gave Pastor Dan today’s readings and he agreed that Isaiah 58 and Matthew 9 are the way we should live our lives during this Holy Season.
I would like to focus on one part of the Catechism, “gestures of reconciliation.”
Do you harbor animosity toward anyone?
Part of my family who is related to me by marriage refuse to talk to each other and have law suits over assets. I am not saying who is right or wrong , but the people involved are family. Money is involved and the parties in question are not talking.
Lent is not a time for lawsuits but a time to clean house. Our readings and the Catechism are an encouragement to us to put animosity and differences behind. Jesus said in today’s Gospel, The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them and then they will fast .
My wife, Anna, and I both agree that no one wins in a family feud. Now is the time to reconcile and clear the air. The baggage of bad feelings weighs us down. I have been through this myself. However, there comes a time and Lent is the time when we have to figure out what is really important. Nothing on this planet, Earth, will go with us when we die.
Lent is an exciting time to clean the garbage in our lives. We cannot be really happy with this mess that prevents us from going forward and enjoying life. Removing the clutter gives us the opportunity to really see and appreciate the beauty that is hidden by the garbage.
Today is my bride, Anna’s, and my wedding anniversary. Years ago we were married the Saturday before Lent began. We will celebrate today and our grandson from Liverpool, United Kingdom will be calling us. My wife is dancing with joy.
My point is that we cannot enjoy the good times with the clutter blocking the view of what is important.
God Love you Always.
Bob Burford
