Homily: Friday after Ash Wednesday
Friday after Ash Wednesday (Isaiah 58:1-9) “Fasting. Is it Starving Myself or is There Another Reason?”
How did we do on our day of fast and abstinence this past Wednesday? Usually, we would describe our success by whether we were able to stay away from eating meat. We might also report on whether we ate between meals. But is that the measure of a day of fast.
Isaiah would say no. How would Isaiah measure success. He might ask if the person fasting could identify with the hungry. Did we think of those around the world who do not have enough to eat when we had slight hunger pangs? Did our thoughts turn to those who suffer famine in the Sudan or to those who are displaced in Sudan? If we did not, then our fast day was not all that it could be.
We might ask the question of whether we were charitable toward others on our fast day? If our day of discipline resulted in us snapping at our spouse or our children or coworkers, then probably curbing our appetite was counterproductive.
I have noticed that when I fast, especially if I really take it seriously, there are other effects than being a little hungry. When the body is taking in less calories than it normally does there are a couple of symptoms. First, I am very alert. I don’t need that nap or extra hour of sleep. I am very conscious of what is going on around me. This causes me to be more attune when I pray and reflect. I also notice things that I might not otherwise. This helps with contemplation.
The second thing I notice is that if I engage in fasting long enough my anxiety level increase. I need to keep a handle on my interactions with people. I am more aware of the little things that I worry about that are not all that important. I realize how human I am. Which is not a bad thing.
Our fasting is meant to lead us to practicing charity. The fasting we do should lead to more awareness of the attitudes we need to keep in check. In the end, the fasting we do should result in us being more virtuous people. That is the type of fasting God would like.
Reflection Questions:
- Do I see a value in fasting? Is it different that dieting?
- Might I try to skip a meal once in awhile this Lent? Do I really need to eat as much as I do?
Dear Parishioners,
We are in the closing days of our Listening Campaign. If you are approached by one of our listeners, please give an hour of your time to discuss your feelings about the parish. We should be wrapping this activity up in the next few weeks and we will be giving the parish a report. This will lead to possible action plans.
The Diocese of Davenport has ended all restrictions and protocols at Mass and at parish activities. We have not heard anything from our diocese yet and we may not. We have a staff meeting next week and we will be discussing when we will end protocols. I feel I must be aware of the concerns of those who work around the parish. Some have family members who are greatly compromised. I would say that over the next few weeks we will lighten the restrictions we still have. We will try to be specific about what we are doing so there won’t be confusion. Some things like bringing back the cup and resuming choirs will take longer to arrange. It is not as easy as flipping a switch. I pray for your understanding.
May Our Lady of Peace pray for us.
Fr. Mark