The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, February 26, 2006
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Hosea 2:16-17, 21-22
Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13
2 Corinthians 3:1-6
Mark 2:18-22

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's gospel raises interesting questions about fasting. It's quite clear that the Jewish Law demanded fasting. It was a way of purifying both soul and body to make the person alert to God’s inspirations. The Pharisees fasted often in observance of the Law, and so too did John the Baptist and his followers. It was a way to holiness.

Why, then, did Jesus, after fasting for forty days and forty nights in the desert, decide to break with tradition? He did so as a public sign that the Messiah had come to usher in a New Law of freedom. All were called to be flexible and ready for change. There, the image of wine in new, supple, wineskins has been a challenge to all ages.

The challenge of the second Vatican Council is still today a source of discomfort for those who are deaf to the teachings of recent Popes. People in Jesus’ day resisted change, as do people in our own day who fail to see the Church as the living voice of Jesus Himself who used the image of a Bridegroom. His followers were currently celebrating a wedding feast. Later, they would fast in sorrow, when The Bridegroom would be taken from them to suffer and die.

We are today facing new suffering and new persecution. If ever in our memories we needed to pray, do penance and discipline -- both mind and heart -- it is today. For God, it’s a matter of the heart. Today’s readings should help us to get our hearts ready for the coming Lent.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

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