HOMILY FOR FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY. (3)

HOMILY FOR FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY.

THEME: FASTING

BY: Fr Francis Onwunali

We are again presented with a familiar theme of this penitential season: Fasting. Fasting is presented to us as acts that should allow us to empty ourselves so that we can be filled with God’s love and God’s presence, which we, in turn, share with others. The fruits of fasting, either spiritual or material, are meant to benefit others. How do you intend to reach out to others during this period of lent?

In the first reading (Is 58: 1-9), with lots of complaints coming from the Israelites that their prayers and fasting are not being answered, God reminded the Israelites that their fast is not yielding fruit because they are so centered on themselves. The fasting that pleases God should lead to freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless and clothing the naked, that is, to acts of compassion, love, and mercy.

In the gospel (Matt 9: 14-15), Jesus uses the analogy of a wedding feast to teach that fasting is meant to lead us into God’s presence. As long as He, the bridegroom is with them, fasting is not needed, but certainly in their mission, they will fast to remain united with Him, Jesus, their Master and Lord.

Dear friends, what use is our fast if it only leads to our feeling good without our being instruments in God’s hands to lift others up. St. Basil the Great wrote: Take heed that you do not make fasting consist only in abstinence from meat. True fasting is to refrain from vice. Shred to pieces all your unjust contracts. Pardon your neighbours. Forgive them their trespasses. ”

I pray that as we journey in life today, we will use our fasting as a weapon to bring forth the Reign of the Kingdom of God. Let our hearts be transformed and not just our clothes torn. May we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb. 12: 2) and not just on our suffering. Have a faith-full day!

FOR MORE HOMILIES CLICK >>>>>