Meals are about more than just the
food on the table. Sitting down for a meal together is about creating space to
nourish our bodies, reconnect with those around us, and pause in gratitude for
all of the abundant blessings from God.
Today we enter the first of six
Fridays leading up to Holy Week. Fridays in Lent can be seen as simply “giving
up” meat. As a vegetarian, the meatless Fridays are not really a sacrifice.
For me, Lenten Fridays are an invitation to eat more simply and be in
solidarity with God’s poor. They mark an opportunity each week to “check in”
with myself about how Lent is going.
Whether or not I have chosen a
specific habit to give up or take on for Lent, Fridays mark a regular moment to
pause and check in with God about my own journey. Today’s readings remind us that fasting is not about
torturing ourselves and being miserable.
“This, rather, is the fasting that
I wish:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke;
Sharing your bread with the hungry,
sheltering the oppressed and the
homeless;
Clothing the naked when you see
them,
and not turning your back on your
own.”
These recipes and prayers from Cooking
Lent can help us keep our
focus on the meaning of our fasting during Lent. This Friday, gather your
family and friends to share a simple meal, celebrate the graces of this season,
and deepen our commitment to being with those on the margins.
Lord, how can my fasting on Fridays
prepare me to feast with you?
How are you
inviting me to grow in friendship with you this Lent?
Reflected by Jen Coito
No comments:
Post a Comment