Friday after Ash Wednesday: reflection

LENTEN OBSERVANCE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD

Reading: Isaiah 58:1–9

Dear friends, the season of Lent aims to prepare us to celebrate the Paschal Mysteries of Christ in a way that we will enjoy all the benefits that flow from the death and resurrection of Christ. To achieve this objective, this season takes us on a journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that lasts for forty days.

But then, it is possible that many people who will walk on this road of prayer, fasting, almsgiving and self-control may still not attain a worthy state for the celebration of the Paschal Mysteries. In the first reading of today, the prophet Isaiah tells us the things that can stymie the attainment of a worthy state for the celebration of the Paschal Mysteries and the benefits that come from them among those who performed the spiritual exercises of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that the season of Lent requires. Isaiah noted that these spiritual exercises must be accompanied by renewal of oneself and attitudes if they are to achieve their desired purposes.

While fasting and prayers help us to attract God’s mercies, blessings and favours, Isaiah hinted that anyone who is fasting and praying and, at the same time, suppressing those under his care, fighting and quarreling with others, and engaged in other wicked practices is only insulting God; his fasting is an abomination before God. The same applies to almsgiving. Whoever gives alms to attract the praise of other people (or to attract likes, comments and views on social media) will have no reward from God, as Jesus told us (Mt 6:1–2).

Therefore, Isaiah suggested the kind of Lenten Spiritual exercises that God wants from us, exercises that must accompany our fasting and prayer this Lent. They are: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke, to share food with the hungry and to provide the homeless poor a shelter, to clothe the naked, and not to turn away from one’s own flesh and blood (Is 58:6–7). When one does these things, his light will break forth like the dawn, his healing will spring up speedily, righteousness shall go before him and God’s glory shall be his rear guard. Then, he shall call, and the Lord will answer him; he shall cry, and God will say, “Here I am” (Is 58:8–9a).

May your Friday be fruitful. Amen

Fr. Isaac Chima