Isaiah 58:1-9
Psalm 51:3-6, 18-19
Matthew 9:14-15
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TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT
"Then they will fast." —Matthew 9:15
Fasting is not so much an end in itself. The purpose of fasting is union with the Lord. Thus, there was no need during Jesus’ public ministry for Jesus’ disciples to fast to be united with the Lord since Jesus was already present with them (Mt 9:15).
The Pharisees made fasting and other religious practices take precedence over union with the Lord. Jesus, God Himself, told the Pharisees that they had neglected the love of God, even while commending their fasting (Lk 11:42). So Isaiah’s prophecy in today’s first reading is an appropriate word; God desires fasting performed with the right purpose: “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” (Is 58:6-7).
The Lord takes great care to purify our motives for fasting. He asks each of us: “Was it really for Me that you fasted? ...Was it not for yourselves?” (see Zec 7:5-6) We are called to deny ourselves in a spirit of penance to express that no earthly comfort, good, or pleasure compares with God.
The food we crave when we fast cannot satisfy us (see Is 55:2). Yet the food God gives, the Bread of Life (Jn 6:35), Jesus’ own flesh, is not only “real food” (Jn 6:55), it also brings true union with God in a way that no earthly food can do.
“Whether you eat or drink — whatever you do — you should do all for the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31).
Prayer: Father, may my eating and fasting be pleasing to You at all times.
Promise: "Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard." —Is 58:8
Praise: Daniel fasts one day a week for God's blessing on the woman he loves, his wife
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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