Readings: Is 58: 1 – 9a; Mt 9: 14 – 15
Thamajoy Reang csc.
The first reading shows us how prophet Isaiah teaches and warns about fasting and abstinence. Isaiah sees the foolishness of the people who fast in the wrong way. He notices two kinds of people’s actions on the day of fasting: some people fast, but they do not respect the day as they should, instead, they quarrel and fight with each other. Some other people fast, but they are not sincere in their fasting. Prophet Isaiah is disturbed by the terrible acts of the people on the day of fasting. He says that fasting should not be a way of showing off our humility and desire for our physical appearance.
Rather, when we fast, we should help the people in need: to free the oppressed, to share the bread with the hungry, to shelter the homeless, and to clothe the naked. Prophet Isaiah reminds us to be compassionate, loving, merciful, kind, and generous in helping the people, and not just fast and waste the day without making it meaningful for God and people.
In the gospel, we see Jesus the bridegroom with the people and telling them that they do not need to fast when the bridegroom is with them, but rather rejoice in his presence. We are the wedding guests and Jesus is the bridegroom. Jesus expects and invites the guests to enjoy with him, but remember him in fasting when the bridegroom leaves the ceremony. To remember Jesus the bridegroom in fasting is to do with the people whom we serve as he did and follow his footsteps.