The type of Fast God wishes from us

Gospel Thoughts

*Lenten Season : C Cycle : Friday after Ash Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 9:14-15*

*FIRST READING - Is 58:1-9a*

*The type of Fast God wishes from us*

*1) God speaks on Fasting*

In the book of Isaiah God clearly tells us the type of Fast which we should observe in our live 

Fasting is not mere external practices, and abstaining from food. But it is more than that. 

There is a list of things which we are supposed to   as fast. They are following 

*2) Releasing those bound unjustly*

One of the important aspects of the fasting 

Fasting should help us to set ourselves free from the unjust bounds 

Need to release the self from the unjust bound of slavery of sin 

From the unjust bound of anger, pride, jealousy, revengeful attitude, selfishness, unforgiveness, laziness etc 

Fasting primarily help us to release yourself from these unjust bounds 

*3) The Fast of untying the thongs of the yoke*

Unty the thong of the yoke of greed, powerful, pleasure, and the yoke of Wordly things. 

Unty the self from these 

*4) The Fast of Setting free the oppressed*

First set free the self from the oppression of the sin and devil 

Secondly set free the others to enjoy the real spiritual freedom in their life 

*5) The Fast of breaking the every yoke*

Break the yoke of ones own ego and self righteousness is needed

*6) The Fast of Sharing the bread with hungry*

Generosity is the best form of fast. 

It helps us to fast about our own bodily desires and to become generous towards others 

*7) The fast of sheltering the oppressed and the homeless*

This is one of the best forms of fast. 

Since one needs to sacrifice a lot to do this, it becomes a best form of fast which brings down the grace of God upon us 

*8) The Fast of clothing the naked*

This also a great gesture of fast because it shows on our part the respect and dignity of human body 

This helps us to observe the fast of our lust. 

*9) The Fast of not turning your back on your own*

This needs a lot of self control 

To have self control means to fast on certain things in our lives 

Unless we fast on our selfish desires, we can't have any disciple in our lives 

This is the kind of fast God desires. 

Are you ready to do this?? 

Lent is a time to observe such fast.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*