Mt 9:14-15 Why Do We Fast?

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Jesus answered the disciples of John, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?  The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

When the Lord (the bridegroom) is not around, how do I behave?

Yesterday afternoon I was driving down Walnut Road.  It was rush hour and the traffic was terrible – bumper to bumper - for miles.  As we were all inching along our way, I noticed a car at an intersection trying to get onto Walnut.  I stopped and waved to the driver to pull out in front of me.  But as soon as I did, the driver behind me started beeping his horn.  The noise came as such a surprise to me that I automatically stepped on the gas and moved forward. 

When I realized what had happened, I became furious!  I thought to myself, “Hey buddy!  Where do you think you’re going?  We’re stuck in traffic!”  

There was so much I wanted to say to him.  And to be honest, I wanted him to know just how disappointed and angry I was. But I couldn’t.  After all, I’m a priest!  So, when he finally passed me, I just looked at him.  Well, he looked as well and did a few other things.  Again, I was furious!  But what could I do?  I’m a priest!  Let’s not forget what brought all this on:  I was trying to let another car pull onto Walnut Road, that’s it. 

Now if this is the reaction of a 21^st century human being, then has any real progress been made since the dawn of man?  For some, yes.  For others, no.  You can guess who they are and are not.  Just read the vulgar, disgusting and profane comments made below any Internet article regarding the Holy Father or the Catholic Church.  Go ahead.  Now read the comments below any articles regarding Pro-Choice advocates, gay-marriage advocates and anti-Christian artists and musicians.   It’s not fair.  It's not fair at all!  But it's not supposed to be fair.  It's supposed to be obvious.

Which got me thinking:  Why are people so profane and vulgar?  Why do they love to mock others?  Why do they like a good scandal?  Why do they use the sufferings of others to advance their own personal vendettas?  I think it’s because it makes them look better than they really are; after all, if you can demonize your opponent, then you don’t even have to defend your position!

Here we are, in the 21^st century, and still, when it comes to living with others, not much has changed.  Love of enemy is just as hard today as it was for our ancestors.  Forgiving seven-times-seventy times is just as awkward as it was seven-times-seventy years ago.  Turning the other cheek to an atheist seems as impossible today as it was two thousand years ago to a Roman. 

And though we should lament over the fact that some very important things have gotten worse over the years, we can still rejoice in the fact that some things have never changed.  For example:  the truth has never changed, and it will never change.  Yes, we can walk away from it, deny it and even choose to ignore it, but just as a falling tree makes noise in the forest- regardless of any observers – so to the truth remains the truth regardless of any followers.

Over the years, we have tried to change the meaning and purpose of Lent and fasting.  Lent has become the season for self-improvement, not self-denial.  Fasting has become exercise routines and diets to strengthen one’s heart, not change one’s heart.

But God made it clear what He considers to be fasting:  “This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:  releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke, sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.”

Now who said religion was barbaric, archaic, fantastical and superstitious?  Who said it wasn’t practical?  Who said that Judeo-Christian precepts and laws were no longer useful? 

Did you notice that not one of these “commandments”, mentioned by God, is mandated by U.S. law?  I hope so.  After all, you're not breaking the law if you don't share your food.  You won't be thrown in prison for not clothing the naked.  It's not against the Law to turn your back on your brother or neighbor.  But for God, it is against the Law.  It's a sin.

“Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.  Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.” (Ps 51:3-4)

Resolution:  Today I resolve to visit or call someone who is in prison, sick, alone or in need of assistance.