IT IS TIME TO FAST
(Matthew 9:14-15)
"Then, they will fast"-
These are the last words of Jesus in today's gospel reading.
This is the time when we
contemplate on the attempt to take away the Son of man by the scribes and the
pharisees. This is the time when darkness wages great war against the light.
This is the time when we are called upon to deny ourselves of some pleasures to
gain divine favours.
Thus, the Church encourages us to
fast. O come and mourn awhile. Jesus our Love is crucified for our sake. Thus,
let us fast from whatever that will make this great price for our salvation be
a waste. Let us not make this great sacrifice a vain thing. Let us follow Jesus
in the wilderness. Let us feed on the word of God there and be able to command
the desires of the flesh and the worldly passions to flee.
We must fast from unnecessary
fear, from hypocrisy and dishonesty, we must fast from faithlessness, we must
fast from weakness to pray. Let us fast from sinful relationships; let us fast
from gossips; let us fast from extortion; let us fast from deceiving one
another; let us fast from cheating; let us fast from bad habits. Let us fast
from revenge, quarrels, hatred, injustice and corruption.
Yes, let us deny ourselves of
those things that will make us deny Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour.
And so, listen my flesh, I refuse
to give you all you want. I wish to fast till everything in me hungers for God.
LET US PRAY
We are too hungry and sick to
fast, Oh Lord. We hunger for food that does not satisfy; we are sick of losing
our attachment to the pleasures of this word. Give us the grace to fast from
evil and hold fast to holiness and righteousness. Help us by your grace Oh
Jesus. May your passion, be our strength. Amen
God bless your Friday (Friday
after Ash Wednesday)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
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