First Reading - Isaiah 58:1-9
Gospel - Matthew 9:14-15
In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah is sent by God to chastise people for their shallow outward repentance that doesn't change them at all. He proclaims the uselessness of the outward trappings and liturgical appearances of repentance, ‘hanging your head like a reed, spreading out sackcloth and ashes’, while all the time continuing to maintain social injustice and unjust oppression even of fellow-Israelites. He further adds that they complain that the Lord does not see their fasting; the prophet replies that their fasting is worthless, for fasting has value only as a sign of a true change of values. The prophet is keen to spread wide the values of true repentance as in showing charity to the needy (hungry, naked and homeless) and poor, liberating the oppressed, and always remaining sympathetic to the all. He emphasizes that the real repentance is manifested in this manner and this kind of change of heart finds favour with God.
The gospel passage explains the true meaning of fasting. The complaints of John's disciples regarding the observance of fasting seemingly alludes to their preparation of the coming of the Messiah in repentance and austerity. Jesus metaphorically describes himself as the bridegroom (The bridegroom was a key Jewish metaphor for God as in Hos. 2:16-23) which also implies that the presence of the bridegroom is a matter of joy rather than sorrow. He further points to the imminent future of his passion and death to refer to the separation of the bridegroom as the time for mourning or sorrow. Thereby, Jesus confirms that the presence of Jesus, as the bridegroom, is a matter of joy whereas his separation brings sorrow.
Dear friends, the invitation to fasting or austerity is required in the absence of Jesus from our lives as Jesus himself accentuates it in the gospel. The absence of Jesus, from its context, certainly points to his short period of absence from the community on account of passion and death but this also may imply our sins. The sins of our lives can make Jesus absent from our lives. Therefore, our life of austerity or penance is required that can redirect our life to connect ourselves to him.
The readings of today also encourage us to make the occasions of religious practices (fasting or penance) as the occasion to change ourselves and make ourselves spiritually mature and sound, which should be manifested in our sound relationship with God, one another and every creation subsequently. The first reading is outspoken to spotlight the misconceptions of spiritual peity that doesn't change a person. It is to say, God doesn't approve or like our fasting if we don't change our lives from the attachment of vices. The renewal of life prompted by fasting, prayer and austerity is more acceptable and pleasing to God than unchanged life with fasting and austerity. Therefore, we are to fast from injustice, oppression, selfishness, worldliness, negativity, and vices etc. and become humane, genuine, loving, considerate and kind.
Let's pray that our religious practices may redirect us to renew our lives from vices.
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