Fasting is a negative penance and many modern people like to play it down today. Athletes certainly give up much so that they might excell in Basketball…. like University of Kentucky Basketball!!!!!!
Christians over the centuries have given up much, so that they might excell in a better relationship with God and others around them….
BEWARE: it is easy to do penance and fast for the wrong reasons. For example giving up food so I can loose weight!!!. Isaiah the prophet says is loud and clear in today’s first reading: “Lo, on your fast day you carry out your pursuits…..”. If what I give up does not lead me to become a better person; get closer to God; or to ”love my neighbor” more, I am barking up the wrong trail.
All kinds of fasting: fasting from food
fasting from criticism
fasting from resentment
fasting from fear/anger
fasting from alcohol
1. Read the whole of today’s reading…..Isaiah 58.1-9
2. Invite you to stop for 5 Minutes
3. Listen quietly saying nothing…
4. End by saying something to the Lord.
WHEN YOU ARE DOING ANY OF THE ABOVE OR ALL FOUR….. YOU ARE PRAYING !
