Friday 16 February

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

True fasting

Jesus the bridegroom is always with us so our fasting is not one of mourning, of gloomy looks and of hanging the head like a drooping reed. No, since Christ the bridegroom is with us, our fasting does not look like fasting at all!

Our fasting is the kind that gives life by doing what is good, what is just, and what liberates others from their burdens. That is what it means to fast while the bridegroom is still with us: to give and to do what is life-giving and, so, a worthy praise and thanksgiving offered to God.