DAY 1 ASH WEDNESDAY & FASTING

Gospel > Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18  Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms,do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets

to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

 “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

DAY 1 MEDITATION – 1st Week of Lent / Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday. This “fast” and abstinence includes some specific instructions about the meals we eat today and on Good Friday and the giving up of meat on Fridays.

And, fasting, like prayer, helps us to recognize that we are not in complete control. This denial of self, this denial of our will, our desires at times, is a reminder of our dependence on God.

Also, fasting reminds us that our love with others and for others does not depend on the material food we are enjoying at a particular banquet. Love itself is a banquet without silverware.

Also, fasting reminds us that the Lord has made us to receive many different sources of nourishment. Also, the actual “fast” or “denial” may mean different things to different people.

For example, if we are older or in a particular health circumstance, the“fast” might simply be the promise to follow doctor’s orders, to eat that which is prescribed, for the fast is meant to be for our well being. Or, the sacrifice might simply be to eat what is served and enjoy what is served with others. Here at home or away from home, we have the opportunity – and may have the inclination to enjoy our meals whenever we want ... or with whomever. So, perhaps, the “fast” might be to choose regular meal times, regular meal companions...to get a recommended daily allowance of human contact.

By fasting, by these acts of self denial, we also say to ourselves and the Lord that we will accept what he is serving us, where he is leading us ... and that we will accept God’s letter, God’s call, whenever it comes.

DAY 1 – REFLECTIONS AND QUESTIONS

Catholic Catechism, n. 1430 to 1439  – “Jesus' call to conversion and penance, like that of the prophets before him, does not aim first at outward works, "sackcloth and ashes," fasting and mortification, but at the conversion of the heart, interior conversion. Without this, such penances remain sterile and false; however, interior conversion urges expression in visible signs, gestures and works of penance.” (Isaiah 1:16-17; Matthew 6:1-6; 16-18).

Day 1 - Question (1):  What would “conversion”– mean for me, in terms of my relationship – and service – toward God as well as toward those with whom I live and go to school?  

Day 1 - Question (2):  Reflect today on who – or what – calls me to “conversion” in Catholic/Christian term, including  (a) gestures of reconciliation (who causes me difficulty?); (b) gestures of charity (who asks for my time, money, energy?) (c) gestures of repentance (what do I see when I examine my conscience?);  (d) gestures of communion/solidarity (can I offer up my suffering for the good of others?)