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Prayer, mercy and fasting: These three are one, and they give life to each other. Fasting is the soul of prayer; mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. Let no one try to separate them; they cannot be separated. If you have only one of them or not all together, you have nothing. So if you pray, fast; if fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. When
you fast, see the fasting of others. If you hope for mercy, show mercy. If you look for kindness, show kindness. If you want to receive, give. - Peter Chrysologus
(A good summary of the traditional Lenten disciplines. How
are your practicing them this Lenten season?) |
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Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps. 19:8, 9, 10, 15; Mt
25:31-46
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and
life.
The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring
forever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my
heart find favor before you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. USCCB lectionary
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Reflection on the Scripture |
"I assure you, as often as you did it
for one of My least brothers, you did it for Me." –Matthew 25:40
We are entering into the forty-day Lenten fast. Our fast can affect our interior disposition, directing our heart, mind, body and lives toward God, correcting our appetites and conforming
ourselves to God's will. Part of this renewal is alms-giving. The Lord might be asking us to give to the poor what money and time we save by fasting. For example, if we save three dollars by skipping lunch, we could use that money to help feed or clothe someone. If we save a half- hour by having only a snack for supper, we shouldn't merely watch more TV or do more work. Instead, we could give that time to strangers, the imprisoned, or sick persons.
If possible, we should fast for a specific intention. We may fast for John's conversion, for Mary to accept the call to become a nun, for peace in a particular country, for Harry to return to the Lord and the Church, etc.
In addition, fasting from food should be accompanied by feasting on God's Word. We shouldn't give in to the temptation of thinking too much about all the food we're not eating; rather, we should read and meditate on God's Word day and night (Ps 1:2).
Fasting
is not only depriving ourselves of food. It is also recycling our money, time, and energy to serve others and build ourselves up in the Spirit. Fasting is fulfilling. Do a full-service fast.
PRAYER: Jesus, teach me to fast as You did (see Mt 4:2).
PROMISE: "Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy." –Lv 19:2 mycatholic.com
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Theological Gems from Emile Merch's Theology of the Mystical Body - selected by Jim and Tyra Arraj
Book III: Christ
Chapter 9: Christology and the Mystical Body
207. "quidquid recipitur, recipitur ad modum recipientis" (Whatever is received is received after the mode of the recipient.)
210. The human nature had to be intensely active in receiving it (the Word). The
reception had to be accomplished in the deepest center, the very root of the nature.
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