These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. (Is 58:1-9a)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021624.cfm
Faith (and fasting for that matter) is never about us . . . it’s always about others. Catholic Social Teaching (the corporal works of mercy in action) is not optional . . . it is essential to loving God and loving our neighbor.
Then Jesus said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?” (Lk 9:22-25)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021524.cfm
At the beginning of this Lenten journey, the Lord is very clear about what’s at stake. Traveling alone we would soon get lost. But the Lord gives us good companions on the Way and reminds us that the journey is worth it all.
Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart. (Jl 2:12-18)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021424.cfm
In one sense Lent is really not about us—about what we’re going to do for God, but rather Lent is about what God has already done for us in Christ. Our fasting, prayer and works of charity are an expression of our thanksgiving to God for such wondrous Love. May you have a joyful Lent!
When he became aware of this he said to them, "Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?" They answered him, "Twelve." "When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?" They answered him, "Seven." He said to them, "Do you still not understand?" (Mk 8:14-21)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021324.cfm
As disciples we are always a bit slow to catch on. Perhaps it’s important to REMEMBER—to remember all the graces we have received from the Lord. Today in my hometown of Mobile, Alabama, it is Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday). Mardi Gras is a wonderful reminder that tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.
The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation." Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore. (Mk 8:11-13)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021224.cfm
Everyone seems to demand a sign so they can have proof of who Jesus is. The Lord doesn’t have much patience for that kind of nonsense. He gets back in the boat and leaves. His words and deeds are proof enough.
