Homily: Friday After Ash Wednesday

Friday After Ash Wednesday (Matt 9:14-15) “What Kind of Fast Do We Keep?”

I have been very curious about fasting since I began my walk with Jesus. Fasting is one of the religious practices that is part of many different faiths. When I think about that it makes the spiritual discipline of fasting more intriguing. Why is a fasting so common.

When we meditate on the readings today, we might conclude that fasting is not necessarily a good religious practice. The Pharisees point out that the disciples of Jesus do not fast. Jesus dismisses the criticism. He seems to indicate that fasting is unimportant.

And then we have the passage from Isaiah. The prophet seems to say that physical fasting is not as important as helping those who are in the greatest need. Doing acts of charity is much more important in our Lord’s eyes.

As we reflect on these two passages, we might consider two things. The first is that Jesus did fast in his life. His fast for forty days in the desert before his ministry began seems quite severe, much more severe than anything we might ever do. His action speaks loader than his words. Fasting was an important part of his piety.

The second thing we might consider is that fasting is not at odds with charity. The two practices are not opposed to each other. It is not an either or choice, but fasting, prayer and charity are meant to blend with each other.

If we fast merely as a way to prove how disciplined we are that is probably off the mark. When we fast, we obviously do not spend much money on food. What do we do with that savings. A meal at McDonalds can easily cost ten dollars today. Where does that money go when we skip such a meal? If it goes to a food pantry and others can eat because of our fasting that is the kind of fast God wants. We do not eat so that others can.

Many times, we do not have to choose among different penances. We just need to realize how they are interconnected.

Reflection Questions:

1.    When is the last time I fasted? Why did I fast?

2.   Am I setting money aside this Lent so that people can eat? Am I using the rice bowl drive as an option?

 Dear Parishioners,

           Tonight, Alleman will be having its annual fish fry. One good thing about being a Catholic is enjoying fellowship at fish fries on Friday night. We take abstinence and we blend it with building community. The money also will go to a good cause.

          I encourage everyone to turn out to enjoy a meal at Alleman. This is also an opportunity to see what our local Catholic Hight School has to offer. The meal begins at about 4:30 tomorrow.

          May Our Lady Pray for our troubled world today.

          Fr. Mark

P.S. Please remember to pray for Fr. Mike Pakula who passed away this past week. He was the former pastor of St. Malachy in Geneseo.