Good morning good people may the Lord give you peace and health.
It is on 16th February 2024.
What is the motive behind our fasting?
We reflect on Isaiah 58:1-9 and Matthew 9:14-15.
Our fasting must align our hearts to the heart of God.
The inner light begins to glow only in sharing and giving what we have to the needy ones.
We need to go through a personal pain in giving. When we are giving from our abundance, we are not giving at all. Our giving must make us feel the pinch of pain and it needs to be done quietly and privately.
“The kind of fasting I want is this: Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor.” (Is.58:6).
Our works of mercy are not only pleasing God when it is done in a manner that is very silently and secret, it also bring the light from within and dispel the darkness that created our own sinfulness and selfishness.
Justice and charity must prevail in all we do and say.
The light is none other than Christ himself will rise from our unbiased charity. Isaiah calls for a fast, not from food, but from affluence, indifference, and privilege so that the community of faith might live in harmony with God.
Our fasting, prayer, and penance must bring peace, humility, and happiness within ourselves and around us. Our giving needs to come from the depths of our souls.
The responsorial Psalm prays, “A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.” (Ps.51:19b).
The Gospel reminds us that our fasting has something to do with the relationship and love we have for the Lord himself. The fragrance of our sacrifices pleases the Lord and fills the souls of the needy.
“The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Mt.9:15).
The devil takes advantage of the slackness of our piety. Let us be careful with our spiritual efforts during this Lent.
Let our efforts make us come closer to God and make the other needy persons of the community thankful to the Lord for our charity and Lenten’s sacrifices.
May you have a good day.