Friday, March 7, 2014 Virtual Retreat Friday After Ash Wednesday Reflections following the Daily Liturgical cycle Retreat Master: Deacon John Ruscheinsky Saint of the Day IS 58:1-9A/PS 51:3-4, 5-6AB, 18-19/MT 9:14-15 FASTING THAT BRINGS AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP In recent times there has been a new emphasis about Lent. The fact, however, that we are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday does not mean less self-denial. What is asked of us now is greater self-denial in the form of unselfish love and service of others in the manner described in todays first reading. God tells us, throughout this lesson that the real fasting and penance He desires is that we share our bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless and not turn our backs on anyone. To be concerned about others, to be aware of their needs, takes real self-denial! If we are concerned only with our own convenience, our own comfort, our own rights, or even our own perfection, we will never follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. His teaching requires that we go out of ourselves to love and care for others, and that is Jesus point in todays Gospel. In the Old Law, fasting was required only on the Day of Atonement. However, it had become a pious practice among the Jews to fast more often. Jesus, in the New Law, does not condemn fasting as such. Although, He points out that the era has arrived that like a bridegroom, He will draw His spouse, the People of God, into an intimate relationship of love. There are a variety of reasons for fasting. For instance, we might fast in order to gain freedom from a bad habit or addiction, to share in the sufferings of those who go without, or to grow in our hunger for God and for the things of heaven. St. Basil the Great wrote, Take heed that you do not make fasting to consist only in abstinence from meats. True fasting is to refrain from vice. Shred to pieces all your unjust contracts. Pardon your neighbors. Forgive them their trespasses. May we pray and hunger to allow God into our hearts and be a part of His abundant life. Our love must be like His own, unselfish and self-sacrificing. What kind of fasting are you committed to this Lent? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If for any reason you do not receive your daily retreat, please go to ihrc.net to read it. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 13:56:51 +0000
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