by Fr Fabian Dicom
Isaiah 58:1-9
Psalm 50:3-6,18-19
Matthew 9:14-15
Dear brothers and sisters, the Readings today offer us very profound, very thoughtful insights into the true essence of fasting and its significance in our journey of faith.
In the First Reading, in Isaiah, we hear the Prophet’s powerful message challenging the people’s very superficial observance of fasting. It is a point for us to reflect. There is no point in fasting, Isaiah says, while at the same time striking the poor person with the fist. The fasting that is acceptable in the Lord’s eyes is the fasting that makes us more aware of the hungry, more aware of the homeless, the oppressed, the naked and those who are slaves.
Our voluntary denial of something we like is to make us more responsive to those who have little or no access to what we ourselves are denying ourselves.
Therefore, our fasting is to flow over into what in the Catholic tradition we call corporal works of mercy: to feed the hungry, to give water to the thirsty, to clothe the naked, to visit the prisoners, the sick. And only then in the words of Isaiah, your light will shine like the dawn.
And similarly in Matthew’s Gospel, we encounter the disciples of John questioning Jesus about fasting. Now Jesus response by pointing to Himself as the bridegroom and emphasising that there will be a time for fasting when He is not going to be with them physically. Perhaps He was also saying they will be mourning.
But if we really look at it even more deeper, He invites them to understand that fasting is not an end by itself. By the means, a means to draw closer to God and to prepare for the coming of the kingdom. Fasting will allow them to be freer to serve the Lord who is now present in the people when He is no longer physically with them. Likewise for us. And He tells us very clearly in Matthew 25:40, nearly part of the chapter: Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do it for me.
And when we are free, when we are not attached, when there is that spiritual fasting, we are able to serve the Lord in the most least of our brothers and sisters.
And therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, the word of God reminds us that fasting is not simply about abstaining from food or certain pleasures for a period of time. It is about cultivating a heart that is receptive to God’s grace. And that is what Lent is for. A humble and contrite heart, as we prayed in the Psalm today. A heart that is responsive to the needs of others.
So as we continue our Lenten journey, let us reflect on the true meaning of fasting. Let us strive to fast with purpose, seeking to purify our hearts, seeking to deepen our relationship with God and seeking to extend our hand in love and mercy to those around us.
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