Matthew 9:14-15

It is Friday after Ash Wednesday.

Today the evangelist Matthew tells us about Jesus' teaching about fasting, which was practiced by the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees, a group of Jews who strictly observed the Law of Moses and religious traditions. The purpose of fasting was to purify themselves from sins in view of the arrival of the Messiah.

The evangelist says that they asked Jesus 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 away from them - a reference to His death on the Cross - they would also begin to fast.

Jesus brought us something new, which we should welcome with joy. We, Christians, His disciples, are the people whose promises have been fulfilled, unlike the Jews who are still waiting for the promised Messiah because they have not accepted Jesus.

The Church teaches Catholics that they must 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.

Fasting is one of the Lenten practices, along with almsgiving and prayer. It is highly recommended that we fast and abstain from red meat on Fridays during Lent. The money that would be used to buy food and red meat should be given to the Church to help charitable works. It is the concrete gesture of the Lenten Season. 

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

Local: Springfield, MA, EUA

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