GOSPEL THOUGHTS
*Lenten Season : Friday after Ash Wednesday*
*Gospel : Mt 9:14-15*
*First Reading : Is 58:1-9a*
*The Real Meaning of the Fast*
*1) The Question of Fasting*
The Gospel of the day speaks about the importance of fasting
Fasting is One of the pillers of Observing the the spirit of lent
The first reading of today gives us the concept real spirit of fast
*2) Genuine Fast means the Following*
*Releasing those bound unjustly*
There are thousands of people who are bound unjustly for various reasons. What can I do to provide justice to them?
*Untying the thongs of the yoke*
The yoke of rejection
The yoke of humiliation
The yoke of jealousy
The yoke of gossip
The yoke of selfishness
The yoke of anger
The yoke of indifference
The yoke of cruelty
The yoke of greed
*Setting free the oppressed*
Oppression due to poverty
Oppression due to slavery
Oppression due to ignorance
Oppression due to fear
*Sharing your bread with the hungry*
Feeding the hungry is one of the ways of observing the spirit of real fast
People are hungry for love, forgiveness, accompaniment, support, etc
*Sheltering the oppressed and the homeless*
There are number of people who are homeless due to various reasons. What can I do for them during this lent?
*Clothing the naked when you see them*
Naked person is the one who has lost everything
There is nothing left. Even the self dignity. To such a person what can I do? Can I help him/her in some way?
*Not turning your back on your own*
How do I consider my own people?
Do I have a good rapport with them?
What is my relationship with them?
Do I turn my back to them?
*3) Where do I belong?*
What is my understanding of fasting?
Is it only abstaining from some food?
Only abstaining from some food will not help us in practicing the spirit of fast?
Fasting of that senses and the self is the real fast.
*Am I able to practice this in some way?*
*Think about it*
*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*
*Fr Maxim DSouza*
*Jeppu Seminary*
*Mangalore*
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