Both of the readings for mass today are about fasting. Since this is the first Friday in Lent, the readings are a good reminder to watch our diet today. The Catholic church asks that we refrain from eating meat on the Fridays during Lent and eat less food than normal at meal times. Some Catholics really make a big deal out of the technicalities of our Friday fast, even going so far as to examine what broth is used in the soup, for an example. But, is that really relevant?
Many Catholics are too strict about the Friday fast during Lent. The point isn’t the discipline. The point is to draw closer to God. The fasting is a reminder to grow closer to God and become more in tune with His will. Both of the readings for mass today stress this. Don’t get wrapped up in the strict technicalities of our Lenten fasts, but to focus on why we are doing them.
In the old testament reading, Isaiah speaks for God when he asks the people if they thought their fasting and acts of penance was acceptable to the Lord? They fasted, bowed their heads and sat in sackcloth and ashes, yet this is not what was pleasing to God. These outward technicalities meant nothing to Him. The only thing that has any real value in His eyes is what we do for others. God spoke to His people through the prophet Isaiah:
“This rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.”
It is worth re-reading these words in scripture. We should take them to heart and focus on these words during Lent and during our fasts, instead of focusing on the finer technicalities of our diet. God doesn’t call us to be scrupulous. He calls us to show compassion for our fellow brothers and sisters. The fasting that we do during Lent is simply to help us draw closer to the Lord, renew our relationship with him, and to more clearly see God’s will for our lives. Today’s old testament reading is pretty clear about God’s will though. The trick is to remember this for the rest of Lent and put it into practice. Maybe some of the food or money we save by fasting, could be shared with others who need it more. This is the true meaning of our Lenten fasts. To draw near to the Lord and to recognize the face of Christ in our brothers and sisters who are in need or suffering in any way.
In today’s gospel Jesus wasn’t focused on the technicalities of fasting either. He focused on his disciples’ relationship with him. It was their relationship with him that mattered, not the fasting. Jesus is the reason for the fasting, for us to be more aware of our need to draw nearer to him.
For the rest of Lent, we should try to remember these words from the scriptures in the readings for mass today. Obey the Friday fasts, but don’t get over scrupulous about it. The fast itself isn’t what is important. Our relationship with Jesus Christ and with one another is. Our ultimate goal this Lent should be focused on improving these relationships and working on whatever it is that prevents us from entering into a deeper union, a deeper communion of love with Jesus Christ and our fellow human beings. If we do this, then God assures us in today’s first reading for mass that:
“Your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”
Daily Mass Readings:
Is: 58:1-9a / Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19 / Mt 9:14-15
