READINGS:
1 R : Is 58 :1 - 9a.
Ps 50 : 3 - 4, & 6.
Gos : Mt 9 : 14 - 15.
THE THIRD DAY OF LENT EXHORTS US ON THE CORRECT UNDERSTANDING OF FAST.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE FIRST READING AGAIN.
REAL FAST HAS TO DO MORE WITH INTERNAL CHANGE AND WORKS OF MERCY RATHER THAN MERE
RITUALISTIC OBSERVANCE.
THE FAST THAT IS PLEASING TO GOD IS:
TO LOOSE THE BONDS OF WICKEDNESS
TO UNDO THE THONGS OF YOKE
LET THE OPPRESSED FREE
SHARE YOUR BREAD WITH THE HUNGRY
BRING THE HOMELESS POOR INTO YOUR HOUSE
COVER THE NAKED
NOT TO HIDE FROM YOUR OWN FLESH (= KITH AND KIN )
THEN ALONE YOU WILL ENCOUNTER GOD
IN KANNADA " SAKSHAATHKARA "
THE GOSPEL REMINDS US THAT WE HAVE TO FAST IF THE BRIDEGROOM IS TAKEN AWAY.
BECAUSE OF SINFULNESS ALL OF US HAVE LOST THE REAL JOY COMPARED IN THE BIBLE TO THE REJOICING IN THE WEDDING BANQUET.
LENT IS THE TIME TO REGAIN THE LOST GLORY AND EXPERIENCE REAL JOY.
