Renewing the Fast

Gospel: Matthew 9: 14-15

We Christians can learn two important things from the Muslim community regarding fasting so that we might renew this practice in our own tradition.  The first lesson is found in the solidarity of the fast rooted in a daily communal meal where the fast is broken.  Everyone supports one another in the discipline of the fast, and everyone comes together to share a common meal to break the fast.  Imagine if our Eucharistic table and our tables at home created such solidarity among us!

The second lesson is found in connecting the fast to almsgiving.  In coming together to break the fast, Muslims bring with them the money they would have used that day for food and give it to provide food for those who are poor and hungry.  Imagine if every diocese brought people together during Lent and encouraged this daily practice, having those funds support Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services! The impact on helping the poor at home and abroad would be significant.  

Perhaps too we might find our Eucharistic tables less contentious.  Perhaps too we might find ourselves more empathetic and supportive of others in their struggles and in their needs.  Most certainly this is what Lent is all about: identifying with the Lord Jesus, imitating his example, and seeing his sufferings and needs in those of our suffering neighbor.