Why fasts or observe the Lantern observances if you do not do it with integrity of drawing closer to our Lord?
On this journey, we are reminded that it is not just an outward appearance we should display but truly seek a change of heart from within. We must seek a heart of integrity.
We must therefore seek to feed the hungry, to shelter those who are in need, to clothe the naked.
In other words, this Lantern journey has to bring us closer to our Lord and the least of our brethren.
That we begin to share in the sufferings of Christ, we are encouraged to perform both corporal as well as spiritual acts of mercy.
And indeed, one of the most difficult observances is simply to fast from anger, and be patient.
Let us strive for holiness this Lent.
Then at the end of our Lentern journey, we will truly be light and salt of the earth.
Amen.
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First reading
Isaiah 58:1-9 ·
The sort of fast that pleases me
Thus says the Lord:
Shout for all you are worth, raise your voice like a trumpet.
Proclaim their faults to my people, their sins to the House of Jacob.
They seek me day after day, they long to know my ways, like a nation that wants to act with integrity and not ignore the law of its God.
They ask me for laws that are just, they long for God to draw near:
‘Why should we fast if you never see it, why do penance if you never notice?’
Look, you do business on your fast-days, you oppress all your workmen; look, you quarrel and squabble when you fast and strike the poor man with your fist.
Fasting like yours today will never make your voice heard on high.
Is that the sort of fast that pleases me, a truly penitential day for men?
Hanging your head like a reed, lying down on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call fasting, a day acceptable to the Lord?
Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me– it is the Lord who speaks –to break unjust fetters and undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke, to share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor,to clothe the man you see to be naked and not turn from your own kin?
Then will your light shine like the dawn and your wound be quickly healed over.
Your integrity will go before you and the glory of the Lord behind you.
Cry, and the Lord will answer;
call, and he will say, ‘I am here.’
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Gospel
Matthew 9:14-15
When the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast
John’s disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?’ Jesus replied, ‘Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then they will fast.’
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