How can I, on this Friday after Ash Wednesday and Memorial of Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs—when the Gospel proclaims, “and then they will fast”—heed the Synod’s invitation to a breakfast that heralds the eschatological banquet, remember Laudato si”s caution about the fast pace of technological advances compared to nature’s gradual rhythms, laugh at how poorly our Kunekune pigs at The Glenn fast, and still decide that a fast might be the fitting act of faith for a miracle for Daniel through the intercession of the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen❓
Gospel
The disciples of John approached Jesus and said,
“Why do we and the Pharisees fast much,
but your disciples do not fast❓”
Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn
as long as the bridegroom is with them?
The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,
and then they will fast.“
Lent Day 3 Lectio Divina on the word “fast“
I fast from distractions when I take time to pray and reflect on what truly matters. The world moves quickly, tempting me to rush through life without pausing to seek God’s presence. Yet, in the stillness of fasting, I discover a deeper awareness of His grace.
I fast not only from food but also from the desire to control everything around me. The Kunekune pigs at The Glenn certainly do not fast well, but they remind me how often I cling to my own comforts rather than trust in God’s providence. Letting go—even for a short time—helps me surrender to His will.
I fast from despair, choosing instead to hope for miracles. Technology advances at a fast pace, but the human heart often takes longer to change. As I wait and pray for Daniel’s healing, I remind myself that God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels slow to me.
His disciples after Easter is a sign that the eschatological banquet had already begun.
I fast so that I can feast on God’s promises. Just as Jesus prepared a breakfast for His disciples after Easter, I trust that my sacrifices today will lead to a greater joy tomorrow. Through prayer, fasting, and hope, I place everything in God’s hands.
We need but recall that scientific developments in GM cereals began with the observation of natural bacteria which spontaneously modified plant genomes. In nature, however, this process is slow and cannot be compared to the fast pace induced by contemporary technological advances, even when the latter build upon several centuries of scientific progress.
FROM PARAGRAPH 133 OF THE ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME