Gospel Reflection For The 16th day of February in the year of Our Lord, 2024
Gospel
Matthew 9:14-15
14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying: Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but thy disciples do not fast? 15 And Jesus said to them: Can the children of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then they shall fast.
Today’s readings are all about fasting. That, of course, is appropriate as this is a Friday in Lent. Traditionally Catholics both fast and abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent, as well as refraining from the other pleasures or vices given up during this penitent time. It is good to fast and abstain on Fridays both during and outside of Lent, if possible. Not all can due to age, illness or finances. Fish and vegetables were, until recently, the food of the poor and meat was a luxury. Now, both can be very expensive depending on where you live, and our Church understands such hardships. While we are no longer required to abstain from meat on Fridays outside of Lent, or to fast if we are physically unable, doing so is very good for the soul. It is a reminder to pray and to do penance for our sins, it clarifies the mind and also helps us to live our faith. Too often religion is just going to church. Observing Fridays helps us carry our devotions with us into the world.
In the first reading, we learn from Isaiah that one tribe of Israel devoutly observed the fasting God required in the Old Testament. But, they complained that even though they were more devout than the other tribes, and earnestly seeking God, God did not answer their prayers. The prophet explains that God does not want merely observance of the letter of His Law, reducing it to symbolism. He wants conversion of the heart, justice and mercy. To give up a meal as penance is good, but to take that money that you would have spent on that meal, or the food itself, and give it to someone in need is far better. To cancel a debt and endure hardship, or forgive a slight and endure emotional suffering for the sake of God is better than to forego a meal. To ask forgiveness and to pray for others is also better than just going through the motions. As the Psalm states:
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees complain that our Lord’s disciples do not fast as required. Jesus explains that they have no need of fasting while He is alive, because they are with the “bridegroom” and filled with joy because of His presence. It would be only symbolic for them to give up physical food when they have the very Bread of Life with them, or to do penance when they are with the author of all joy. Soon, He will have to leave them and then they will indeed engage in long fasts and penitential prayers. The Pharisees could not understand or accept this as they worshiped the Law.
As we progress through Lent, we have a wonderful opportunity to do penance, to become more disciplined and to remove spiritual impediments from our lives. Fasting is never pleasant. But, we suffer here a little so that we may find great joy in the next life. Soon, we will be with Jesus and enjoy the banquet with the Bridegroom. Skipping a couple of meals and eating fish once a week isn’t much effort for the reward we have in store. Besides, I absolutely love seafood! It is the spiritual aspects of Lent of which these traditions remind us that truly matter.
A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings January-June, 2024. may be purchased as a .pdf directly from me using this link https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html or in paperback on Amazon amazon.com/dp/B0CPD1DC7Q
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Gospel passages are taken from the Douay Rheims Bible.