In today’s first reading, Isaiah 58: 1-9a, the prophet puts
forth challenges concerning our fasting.
We may give up this or that, priding ourselves on all that we
are sacrificing while continuing our “quarreling and fighting, striking with
wicked claw.” “The fasting,” which the
Lord wants, Isaiah tells us, is “releasing those bound unjustly, untying the
thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the
naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.” Who am I, for instance, holding in the bonds of oppression: not
talking to them, not acknowledging their presence, holding a grudge against them, gossiping about them, withholding forgiveness? Who within my family am I scorning? With whom, in
my family, am I fed up and about whom I am saying: “I’ve had enough of your _______________________"? Have I treated anyone unjustly? Have I damaged relationships by being selfish, deceitful or jealous?
With whom do I need to reconcile? How might I improve relationships with those
with whom I live the closest? How might I make a difference in my marriage, in
my relationship with my children or grandchildren, nieces and nephews, in-laws,
in my relationship with my fellow religious or fellow priests and/or religious brothers,
with the priests serving in my parish?
When we
fast from that which makes life difficult for others, then, Isaiah tells us, “your
light shall break forth
like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall
go before you, and the glory
of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will
answer, you shall cry for help,
and [God] will say: Here I am!”
What are
you doing special during this Lenten season that corresponds to what the Lord
wants of you?
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