Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Both readings today speak to us about fasting.
The Old Testament reminds us that giving up food for a spiritual purpose is meaningless if it is not joined to fasting from sin. We might ask ourselves: Am I more concerned about giving up chocolate for Lent than about giving up an unforgiving heart? More focused on minor sacrifices than on turning away from my lack of care for the poor—or whatever sin continues to haunt me?
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of fasting as a response to the Lord’s absence. When we fast, does it awaken in us a deeper hunger for Christ? Does our fasting remind us of our need for Jesus to come and fill what is empty within us?
As we fast this Lent, may it turn us away from sin and turn us back toward the Lord. Otherwise, we risk echoing the complaint from the prophet Isaiah: “(God), why do we fast, and you do not see it?”