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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
Friday after Ash
Wednesday
St. Athanasius and
St. Rose
March 7, 2014
JESUS & FASTING ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Today’s gospel seems to provide a justification
for fasting
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Jesus is telling them that the groom, Jesus, is
presently with them so they needn’t fast
Ø
When he’s been taken away, that will be the time
for fasting
ISAISH & FASTING +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Isaiah, on the other hand, makes clear that
fasting is a bit of a “luxury item” compared to God’s demand for a change in
our behavior toward others
Ø
The prophet seems to be speaking harshly of
those who concentrate on fasting, more prayers, abstinence, bodily self-denial
in order to avoid the real task that is required
RESHAPING THE MEANING
OF LENT +++++++++++++++
Ø
Yes, we know it’s easier to give up the
chocolate or beer, than to face the suffering around us
Ø
So, shouldn’t Lent mean we dedicate ourselves to
the service of others or revitalize our care 4 them?
Ø
“Nothing comes to mind,” you say
Ø
Isaiah has some suggestions: releasing those bound
unjustly, setting free the oppressed, sharing your bread with the hungry,
sheltering the oppressed and the homeless, clothing the naked
Fasting & US ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Rethinking what I’ve given up for Lent, I did
two things to bring my fasting into line w/ Isaiah’s thought
Ø
I heard of a former 80-year old, Agnes, who was
fearful of an operation she was facing the next day and I called in the
hospital
Ø
Contacting my car insurance agent, I learned that
Kathy, my agent, had to quit work because she had contracted cancer
Ø
Through emails, I’ve become a source of hope for
her faith in the Lord
Ø
What about folks who are hurting in your life?
Ø
What of teens who feel unloved, spouses
struggling in their marriage, aged who are alone or need a ride to a doctor or
marketing?
CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
In the words of the prophet Isaiah, “This,” God says, “is the fasting that I wish”
Ø
Those words can change the way we see Lent
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
