Is your way of Lenten practice acceptable to the Lord?, Isaiah could challenge you, as he speaks on authentic fasting and almsgiving toward blessing against hypocrites’ way of formalism in the First Reading (Isaiah 58:1-9). He tells us that authentic fasting leads us to freedom, breaking the yoke of self-centeredness and carnal desires. So, as we move toward this freedom, we can also give alms, sharing our bread, closing the naked, more joyfully.
In the Gospel Reading (Matthew 9:14-15), Jesus
reminds us that we are not to be obsessed with fasting just because it is Lent.
Yes, there is a time to fast, pray, and give alms. But being obsessed with
fasting, praying, and giving alms, is not an authentic way to spend this holy
season of Lent. Do you think God wants to spend these 40 days of Lent brooding?
Lent is more than praying, fasting, and almsgiving.
Remember, Lent is a season of transformative and
transcendental growth toward renewal. Thus, our Lenten journey must bear
fruits. And to bear fruits, we need “nutrients”.
It does not mean to indulge in material stuff,
though. Rather, it is about making sure that we are well-nourished even though
we are committed to prayer, fasting, and alms giving, in our efforts to detach
our beings from our own egos and worldly things.
So, what are our Lenten “nutrients” – our Lenten
sustenance for growth and transcendental transformation?
Jesus has reminded us that we cannot live with bread
alone (i.e. Matthew 4:4), citing Deuteronomy 8:3. Yes, our Lenten nutrients are
whatever comes out of his mouth: the Word in his kerygma and the Holy Spirit in
his breath.
Let us ensure that we are making this Lenten journey
authentically for the best result.
No comments:
Post a Comment