Friday after Ash Wednesday 2021 - Fasting and Spiritual Hunger

 This morning I happened upon Bishop Malesic’s reflection for this first Lenten Friday. Apparently, his excellency wakes up and posts composes his daily homily earlier than I do! I will now shamelessly share with you some of his thoughts, as they are so very clear and poignant. 

Our shepherd writes: “There are only two days that most Catholics are required to fast: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  But we are not confined by the minimum requirements.  We can fast on more than just two days a year. 

So, why fast at all?

Fasting reminds us that we hunger for something more.  We hunger for justice for the poor.  We hunger for the presence of God.  We hunger for salvation.   When our stomachs grumble, let it remind ourselves that we are empty and needy.  Only God can fulfill our greatest expectations. Our fast, then, is a sign of our longing for God.

Fasting also reminds us that “not by bread alone do we live.”  There is something more essential than material things.  We live by every word that comes from the mouth of God.  

Fasting allows us to give up some of our excesses so that something is left for those more in need than we are.  What we don’t use, or what we save by our fasting, we can give away. This is how food pantries are filled up.

But ultimately, our fast from food is meant to help us fast from sin.  If all we do is give up food for the sake of dietary religious norms, without allowing God to change our hearts, then our fast is empty and meaningless. “

Simple and clear. Thank you Bishop Malesic! 

“The days will come…when my disciples will fast” says the Lord in the Gospel today. Well, those days are here. We will not regret taking seriously the Lenten call to fast. May our Lenten fasting deepen our hunger for the grace and the food and the life that only God can provide and strengthen us in our struggle against sin, for the Glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For the whole Christian people, that in this sacred Lenten season, they may be more abundantly nourished by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

For sinners and those who neglect right religion, that in this time of reconciliation they may respond generously to Our Lord’s call to conversion. 

For ourselves, that God may at last stir up in our hearts aversion for our sins and conviction for the Gospel.

For the sick and suffering and all those affected by severe weather, and the safety of all travelers. 

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Grant, we pray, O Lord, that your people may turn to you with all their heart, so that whatever they dare to ask in fitting prayer they may receive by your mercy. Through Christ Our Lord.