Be kind to one another

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Should I fast during Lent is a question that a lot of us ask ourselves. Today's readings are a great help in our decision making. In the gospel (Matthew 9:14-15), John's disciples come to Jesus and ask why his disciples do not fast as they do. Jesus reminds them that fasting is suspended during a wedding feast so that all may join in the happiness of the bridegroom. In the same way the presence of Jesus with his disciples is a cause of joy. However he adds that when he will no longer be with them, then they will fast. As Jesus is no longer physically with us, he seems to be telling us to fast. But what does it mean to fast? Let us examine the first reading from Isaiah 58:1-9. Look, he says, ''On your fast days you oppress your workmen, you quarrrel and squabble when you fast and strike the poor man with your fist.'' He goes on to say that that sort of fasting does not please God. The fasting that does please God is to oppose injustice and set the oppressed free. ''Share your bread with the hungry and shelter the homeless poor'' In that way, Isaiah says your light will shine like the dawn.

 

So the answer to our question seems to be clearer. We can sharpen our efforts to follow Jesus by not eating our favourite food or having that glass of wine, but if it makes us grumpy and we treat people badly we might as well have the food or drink the wine. A friend of mine used to give up beer for Lent. But he made such a fuss about it and criticized those who were having a cool beer in the 40 degrees of heat in Brazil. Finally I said, ''Shut up, Gerry, have a drink and be kind to the rest of us.''