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Lent - Week One 2010
By Pat Lee | February 23, 2010
Tuesday : February 23, 2010
Readings: Isaiah 58:1-9 Matthew 9: 14-15
Scripture Verse: “Do you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” Isaiah 58:5
Reflection: Fasting has long held an honoured place in our Christian tradition. At the same time we have always been a bit wary of fasting because of Jesus’ warning in the Ash Wednesday gospel (Matthew 6:16). There is a temptation to make fasting a display of self-righteousness—making a display of it—looking down one’s nose at those who do not have the willpower to fast. The first reading emphasises a point about fasting that we must not forget. Isaiah links fasting with social justice. (Isaiah 58: 5-7). This link is found often in Scripture. St. James spelt it out in his letter. (James 2:14-17). Jesus describes it in his image of the Last Judgement. (Matthew 25:34-36).
Traditionally Lenten practices have emphasized fasting, prayer and reading Scripture. And this is appropriate because in these ways we can grow in our faith and prepare for Easter. But “almsgiving” is part of Lent as well—the practice of charity and justice—and they are not to be neglected. Lent challenges us to adopt, first of all, a gospel simplicity based on right priorities and a simpler life-style than that promoted by our culture. While it is true that we all have family and social obligations that we must meet, it is also true that many Christians in Canada have more “stuff” than we need. The Jesus, whom we love and serve was born poor, lived a poor life and died poor. We can hardly consider ourselves his followers if the needs of the poor have no place in our hearts.
We pray with the psalmist: “The sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God you will not despise.” Psalm 51:18
Topics: Lent |
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