FASTING THAT BRINGS
AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP
AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP
In recent times, there has been a new emphasis placed on the holy season of Lent. The fact, however, that we are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday does not mean less self-denial and sacrifice in other areas as well. What is asked of us now is a greater denial of oneself in the form of unselfish love and service of others, according to the manner described in today's first reading. God tells us, through the Prophet Isaiah, that we are to share our bread with the hungry, to shelter the oppressed and the homeless, and not turn our backs on anyone. To be concerned about others and to be aware of their needs means renouncing our personal inclinations and seeking the welfare of those whom we encounter. If our focus is on our own conveniences, our own comfort, our own rights, or even our own perfection, we will never follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. His teachings require us to go out of ourselves to love and care for others. This is the point Jesus is making in today's Gospel.
According to the Old Testament Law, fasting was only required on the Day of Atonement. However, it had become a pious practice among the Jews to fast more often. Jesus did not condemn fasting as such. He pointed out that the era had arrived that, like a bridegroom, He would draw His spouse - the People of God - into an intimate relationship of love.
There are a variety of ways to fast and reasons as to why we voluntarily choose to deny ourselves. For example, we might abstain from something in order to gain freedom from a bad habit or addiction, to share in the suffering of those who go without, or to grow in our hunger for God and for the things of heaven. Basil the Great wrote: "Take heed that you do not make fasting to consist only in abstinence from meats. True fasting is to refrain from vice. Shred to pieces all your unjust contracts. Pardon your neighbors. Forgive them their trespasses."
We are called to pray and to hunger for God's love; His divine love seeks to dwell within our hearts as we free ourselves to live an abundant life. Our love must be like His - unselfish and self-sacrificing.
What kind of fasting do you commit to this Lent?