sanctify a fast

First Reading: Psalm: Second Reading: Gospel:

Joel 2:12-18 Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17 2 Corinthians 5:20 - 6:2 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Joel 2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly;

Sanctify a fast? Do we even know what that means today? The modern church has become so "free" in her expression of faith that I think we have lost the seriousness of what we are there for. The fast is not just some kind of empty ritualistic discipline. It is an appeal to God to spare us from our well deserved punishment for our sins. Today I think we need this more than ever. Take a look at our country. We kill 4000 babies a day because they are inconvenient. We take advantage of people economically and in other ways. We cheat to get any advantage we can and pass the cost on to others rationalizing that we are entitled.
There is a lot to ask God to forgive us for and the absence of such a practice as the observance of Lent in the churches is a reflection of just how far we have strayed. Yes, we should fast, but not to loose weight or to honor some historical tradition, but to express our appeal to God to have mercy and to empower us to share that mercy with others.

Father, help me to be strong in the faith through my weakness in the ways of the world. Help me take seriously the offences that I have committed and honor my appeal for forgiveness and help me to forgive others.

Amen