Word to the Wise
Friday, February 16, 2018 - Friday after Ash Wed.
[Isa 58:1-9a and Matt 9:14-15]Is this the manner of fasting I wish, of keeping a day of penance: that a man bow his head like a reed and lie in sackcloth and ashes? Do you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? This, rather is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. [Isaiah]
Are you wondering that you should do for Lent? Read the passage from Isaiah, quoted above, from the first scripture for today. Then go to Matthew 25:31-45 and read that. Does Jesus ask for something new in that passage? No, he seems to re-echo what Isaiah said nearly 700 years before. Christianity has been in existence more than 2000 years, and we still have monumental challenges to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned, welcome the stranger. Jesus' casual attitude about a pious practice like fasting upset the scribes and Pharisees (see the gospel scripture for today), but he is pointing to far more important observances that come under the title of love of neighbor.
One of the problems about focusing on prayer and fasting or other pious practices for Lent is that it results simply on a focus on ourselves and leaves the neighbor out. St. Thomas Aquinas reminds us that one way to acquire the habit of virtue (interior) is to do virtuous acts (exterior). Acquiring this kind of habit means a change of heart. The change of heart, however, does not occur on its own. Experience in those actions described above is what will bring about the change. If we are not accustomed to feeding the hungry, etc., in person, we may feel awkward at first, but eventually we will change and no longer be just DOING the right thing but also BEING the right person. This will give new meaning to prayer and fasting! AMEN