Word to the Wise
Friday, March 7, 2025 - Friday after Ash Wed.
[Isa 58:1-9a and Matt 9:14-15]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] The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?" [Matthew]
Fasting, as a devotional act, is found in many religious traditions. The Islamic world observes a month of fasting (The month of "Ramadan") in commemoration of significant events in the foundation of Islam. Fasting in Jewish tradition was required only on the Day of Atonement, but was popularly adopted in times of mourning, or crisis or in preparation for a significant event. In the gospels, Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning his public ministry. The Pharisees, however, made it an important standard part of their life and considered it a requirement. Jesus' casual attitude toward fasting offended them. The passage from Isaiah criticizes fasting that was devotional and had no effect on ethical behavior. Jesus instructs us in the Sermon on the Mount (as we heard on Ash Wednesday) to avoid public display of fasting.
The practice of fasting as a way of calling attention to the importance of penitential devotion in preparation for Holy Week or before receiving communion has a long tradition in Catholic faith. In the USA, most dioceses require fasting (one large meal and two small ones) on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for those between the ages of 18 and 59. Abstinence (no meat) extends also to the Fridays of Lent. We are also asked to "fast" for an hour before receiving communion. (I can recall that rule requiring fasting from midnight!)
The WHY? of fasting is more important than the act itself. This is a question we can ask with regard to any devotional action so that it doesn't become an empty observance. Fasting can be a healthy thing to do but it can become unhealthy when done without regard to its consequences. AMEN
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