Editorial
Feasting and Fasting
"Is not this the fast
that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the
yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not
to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your
house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself
from your own kin?"(Is 58:6-7)
The above-mentioned word
of God throws light on the areas of human life where integral salvation
and integral liberation have to be attained. It shatters the sinful attachments
lying hidden within us and the evil inclinations that enslave us. This
is the integral liberation of the inner man-what happens within his mind
and soul. The fast that God desires is not only refraining from delicious
food or the strict observance of rituals but also remaining close to him
and doing his will with all our heart. The inclination to sin has chained
us down. When we remain close to God, his power that fills us breaks this
chain. We should have the humility and openness to untie the cords of hatred,
resentment and anger that bind us. The readiness to give up the dominion
and power that come from position and authority, from wealth and racial
or religious superiority, is a fast more pleasing to God than fasting from
food.
Secondly, we realise that
it is our duty to be filled with spiritual strength and with the power
of divine glory in order to dispel the darkness around.
This is a prophetic role.
The role of Jesus Christ himself. All the prophets had the courage to point
their finger at injustice and social evils and firmly raised their voices
even against imperial powers. They went beyond the mere observance of devotional
practices and were ready to enter the fray, actively combating the evils
of the day. It is not only doing evil, but also failing to battle against
evil that is a denial of God’s justice. It is only when evil is opposed
and fought against, that all diabolic yokes will be demolished. Should
we not untie the bonds of wickedness? Free those in bondage? Loosen the
oppressive yoke? Does God want us to hide ourselves, afraid of the consequences
of our brave stand against evil? We must get ready to free the oppressed.
While we live in a culturally
advanced world, can we afford to be blind to the injustices and evils around
us? Even to get a thing, which is legally within our rights, done by an
official drawing a five-figure salary, we have to approach him with bribes
and gifts. Those in the medical profession, who have taken the oath to
preserve and save life, are never satisfied with the remuneration they
receive. There are some who bargain for more while a life hangs in the
balance in an operation theatre.
How long do we have to wait
making obeisance to those who had come with joined hands to ask for votes
and are now happily ensconced in positions of authority, in order to get
a thing done? Is it right to deny justice to the tax-payer? Is there any
feast where liquor is not served? Do we not forget the wealth that is a
woman and bargain for her dowry as if she were just merchandise? Let us
reflect: is this a life lived close to God? When the husband, who illtreats
his wife, the wife who fails to respect her husband, children who become
a curse to their parents, parents who inflict mental pain on the children,
change their attitudes and put on the mind of Christ, they observe the
fast that he approves of.
Above all, we should accept
God. When God’s love fills us, Godly attitudes become ours. These attitudes
are expressed as the fruits, gifts and charisms of the Holy Spirit. Thus
we rise to the love of God and reach out to his people.
In minds that are dead,
the drops of blood dripping from the wounds of Jesus hanging on the cross,
create an exhilaration. This is the third phase when a new heaven and a
new earth will be created. The haves share their goods with the have-nots.
Wealth belongs to God. When Zacchaeus allowed himself to be changed by
contact with Jesus, when he fasted according to the tenets laid down by
the Lord, he completed this phase. He gave away half of his possessions
to the poor. Heaven came down to earth. The Lord said, "Today salvation
has come to this house"(Lk 19:9).
Did not Jesus teach us that
true fasting is to give what we are and what we possess to God and others?
That is why he said, "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty
and you gave me something to drink"(Mt 25:33) and he added, "Just as you
did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did
it to me"(Mt 25:40).
May the coming Lent be a
time when you can dwell close to the Lord, in a way pleasing to him. Thus
may integral liberation and eternal salvation be ours!
-Editor