Friday 11th March

Isaiah 58: 1-9; Psalm 51;
Matthew 9: 14-15.

Then they will fast.

Fasting is an essential part of the religious life of Jew and Muslim, and there is a wise fasting which Christ expected his followers to experience. Some fasting naturally is good for our health, promoting self-discipline, mastering our desires. We gain the ability to do without things, appreciate things all the more. Spiritually, we deny ourselves to expiate our sins. When the body is most disciplined our mental and spiritual powers are most alert. A broken, humbled heart, O God, you will not spurn.