Daily Meditations for Lent 2006

Mar 3 - Friday

Isaiah 58:1-9

Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? (Isaiah 58:5)

For those of us who had our heads anointed with ashes two days ago and have set a course of fasting and penance for Lent, the prophet's question might be a little awkward. Surely God is pleased with our fasts -- isn't he? Well, that depends on our hearts.

The point of today's reading is that on its own, fasting can be reduced to nothing more than a religious exercise. Abstaining from certain foods or drink can be just another way of dieting or weight training. Practices like receiving ashes, giving up coffee, or turning off the television are spiritually effective if we take them up with the desire to master our instincts and to be freed up to receive more of God's love. Growing in that love to the point where it abounds in our hearts and flows out to those around us -- This should be the goal of all our Lenten activities (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2043).

We can know that love this Lent. We can fast in a way that releases those who are in bondage -- perhaps by our own prejudice, fear, or mistrust. Whether we are fasting from food or from sinful attitudes (or both), we can use this season of grace to break every oppressive yoke. Miracles are possible! In forty short days, God really can untie the thongs of bitterness, anger, lust, drunkenness, or fear!

It gets even beter. As we are unbound, we ourselves become free to spread divine mercy through words of comfort, through forgiveness of someone who has hurt us, or through a humble sharing of our hope in the Lord. The love of God that sacrificed this only Son for us will lead us to where we can feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and help the needy. And that's when the glory of the Lord will shine through us, as though it were a smile for the world to see.

"Father, I want to please you this Lent. Show me how to empty my heart so that I can make room for you and your love. Come, Father, and accept my fasting and sacrifices as acts of trust in your love for me and of my devotion to you."

posted by Thomas Cagurangan @ 1:00 AM