Inspirations at your Fingertips!

Friday after Ash Wednesday Matthew 9:14-15 Day 3: In the Book of Isaiah, the prophet clarified fasting not just an external action, but a manifestation of the intentions of the heart.  He checked on the injustices and abuses done by people against another even though they are fasting. Jesus further clarified the meaning of fasting in terms of relationship. "Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then they will fast." In our generation today given extreme consumerism and materialism, we don't give enough importance to the language of the soul and the heart.  What results is greed, gluttony, and overexposure to material things.  But with fasting: We are to check the injustices we have done against others, even neglect in taking care of the poor, needy, and victims of injustices and discrimination due to economic status...

True fasting Matthew 9:14-15 When was the last time we fasted?  Do we really mean it when we fast? In the Old Testament, the Israelites fast as a sign of penance.  In the book of Isaiah, God demands not simply fasting, but works of social justice as a sign of penance - letting the oppressed grow free, sharing bread with the hungry, and helping the homeless poor. Jesus further perfected the motive of fasting to manifest one's relationship with God and more specifically with the saving action of Jesus. Let us ponder whether all our actions fasting or any other activity possess this very intention of loving God and aligning ones life to the saving work of Jesus.  Only this way can we truly ascertain that every action is consecrated - that is, duly offered to the Lord.

Why fast in preparation for Holy Week?  Matthew 9:14-15 There are three reasons I see why we should fast.  First, to fast is to give way to the Spirit.  It is to tame the senses and control it so we can be more sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit who is beyond material things. Second, to fast is to feel the sting of being deprived, of hunger, thirst, of the comforts of life.  And this, more than 50% of our brothers and sisters are suffering from.  How can we help if we ourselves cannot feel their hunger nor can we hear their cries? Third, it is to be totally one with Jesus Christ; for this is the through being deprived of life that he was able to save us. He rid himself of all comforts to take us up to the Father. Fast and the Lord will reward us with the food of life.