On the Importance of Fasting
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
For nearly two thousand years, Catholics have read, re-read and reflected upon the great passage in the sixth chapter of the gospel of Matthew in which Jesus lays out the three essential practices of Christian life: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Every Ash Wednesday around the globe, in lavishly tiled basilicas, in wood planked chapels, in modest oratories with dirt floors, in carpeted suburban parishes, and in the great multiplicity of sizes, shapes and styles of Catholic houses worship, the Catholic imagination is called to attentive reflection on these prescriptions from Our Lord: When you pray; When you give alms; When you fast.
When Ash Wednesday Mass is finished, the next forty days – all of Lent- is observed in the context of this passage. This happens every year without fail. These three essential practices of Christian life are brought to our attention and emphasized. You would think that we Catholics would get the point. (more…) |
Audio (MP3)