The Catholic Calendar for Friday, February 27, 2004
Friday after Ash Wednesday

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 58:1-9
Psalm 51:3-6,18-19
Matthew 9:14-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

At the very beginning of Lent, it's good for us to get our objectives straight as to why we fast. The people in the first reading complain to God that He has not heard them. After all their efforts to fast, He has not attended to their interests. The prophet, Isaiah, tells them that a true fast would help them see things from the viewpoint of the poor and the downtrodden. Then they would know a day acceptable to the Lord.

In the Gospel, Jesus contrasts the fasting of His disciples with that of John the Baptist. True fasting is discreet, hidden, not imposing burdens on others, but leading to a true change of heart, change of habits. True fasting is not contrary to joy, but fosters it.

Let us fashion all our Lenten fasting with a view to growing in alertness to the needs of others, an energy and the will to pray, and to work for justice.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

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posted by joachim at 4:27 AM