The Real Meaning of the Fast

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - Friday after Ash Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 9:14-15*

*First Reading : Is 58:1-9a*

*The Real Meaning of the Fast*

*1) Lent and Fast*

Fasting is  one of the three pillars  of the Lenten season

Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving are given highest importance during this time and they have lot of influence on our life 

Lent and fast are two inseparable realities 

*2) Fasting in the Book of Isaiah*

The first reading of today gives us a clear picture of fasting 

Fasting is not merely, abstaining from eating some food, rather, fasting has deeper meaning 

Various aspects of fasting are mentioned in today's first reading. They are the following

*Releasing those bound unjustly*

First of all we need to release our soul from the bondages of sin. Our fast should aim in achieving this goal 

*Untying the thongs of the yoke*

The yoke of pride

The yoke of anger 

The yoke of ego

The yoke of selfishness

The yoke of greed

The yoke of hatred

The yoke of jealousy 

The yoke of gossip

Need to untie our self from these above yokes 

*Setting free the oppressed*

Oppression leads to slavery. So all that leads to oppression needs to be uprooted 

*Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them*

The fasting involves very much the basic needs to the human beings 

Food, clothing and Shelter, if these are not given any importance life has no meaning 

If my fast does not address these basic fundamental issues of human being, then my fast has no meaning 

In simple words fasting is nothing but, trying ones best to provide for the basic needs of the human beings, through love sacrifice and hard work 

*3) What does my fast consists in?*

Is it merely giving up some food items? 

Who is benefiting from such a fast? Either the self or the other? 

Does my fast has connection only with myself and my family or my neighbour as well? 

Does my fast bring any chance within me and in my surrounding?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*