Hebrews 5:1-10 / Mark 2:18-22

Yesterday we began the second week of Ordinary Time.

Today the evangelist Mark speaks about fasting and welcoming the newness that Jesus brings us. Fasting was a renunciation of food practiced by the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees, a group formed by Jews who strictly observed the Law of Moses and religious traditions. The purpose of fasting was to purify themselves of sins in view of the arrival of the Messiah.

The evangelist says that Jesus was asked why His disciples did not fast. The answer was that the bridegroom - the Messiah - was among them, and that the purpose of fasting had already been achieved. That was a time of joy. But when Jesus was taken from among them - a reference to His death on the Cross - they would begin to fast as well.

Jesus brought us something new, which we should welcome with joy. We Christians, His disciples, are the people whose promises were fulfilled, unlike the Jews who still await the promised Messiah because they did not accept Jesus.

The Church advises Catholics to fast twice a year: at the beginning of Lent (Ash Wednesday) and during Holy Week (Good Friday). In addition, there is a devotional tradition (not mandatory) of fasting on Fridays, which are penitential days, or abstaining from red meat. It is an exercise in asceticism and a way of participating in Christ's suffering for the redemption of humanity.

Let us remember that the fast that pleases God most is caring for widows, orphans and foreigners, that is, those most in need, and that we should give up less food and more our sins. 

Today the author of the Letter to the Hebrews speaks to us of the divine calling, of the vocation of the Jewish high priest, affirming that Jesus is the high priest of the new covenant - in the order of Melchizedek - in the perfect sacrifice of His Blood shed on the Cross. The author says that Jesus has compassion for men because He Himself became Man. Jesus became the cause of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.

Let us trust in Jesus' compassion for us, in the salvation that He brought us. We remember this mystery in every Eucharist that is celebrated. Through Baptism, we have a priestly vocation. Let us offer spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God for the good of humanity.

Local: Springfield, MA, EUA

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