Word to the Wise
Friday, March 3, 2017 - Friday after Ash Wed.
[Isa 58:1-9a and Matt 9:14-15]The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?" [Matthew]
Fasting is a good way to lose weight. It is also a form of asceticism that may be freely chosen. In the Old Testament, fasting was required by the Mosaic Law only on the feast of the Atonement (Yom Kippur). In that time, fasting was most commonly a sign of mourning, which explains Jesus' reply to the disciples of John. How could the disciples "mourn" when the kingdom was being preached amongst them. Indeed, Jesus speaks elsewhere in the Gospel According to Matthew of the kingdom of heaven in terms of a wedding feast. [Matt. 22:2] Jesus' casual attitude toward fasting as an ascetical practice set him apart from Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist. He did not seem to impose it.
In the first scripture today from Isaiah, the prophet criticizes fasting that is done as a kind of public display of asceticism which was not supported by acts of justice toward the oppressed, the hungry, the homeless and the naked. This kind of asceticism will appear later in Jesus' parable of the last judgment [Matt. 25:31-45].
Perhaps we have seen the "rice bowl" cartons in the back of the church, or have adopted the practice that if we "give up" something, we then donate the financial equivalent to a local or international agency. Those are commendable practices for Lent, but they are also commendable the rest of the year. The Church recommends fasting during Lent but leaves it to the bishops to determine what the practice should be in each diocese. In any case, those below 18 and above 59 years of age are generally exempt. It is suggested that when fasting is not a good thing for an individual, then some other ascetical practice be substituted. "Abstinence" (no meat) is required for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and left to the bishops about its observance on Fridays of Lent. (I notice that parishes tend to sponsor fish fries on the Fridays of Lent. That is hardly an asceticism for Louisianian like me!
Fasting chosen for ascetical reasons should always be aimed at a larger goal - a closer relationship with the Lord, who may indeed be the homeless, oppressed, naked, lonely, sick, hungry and thirsty person standing in front of us. Invite them to the wedding feast! AMEN
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