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Before I Forget…
* I gave food to the poor and they called me a saint; I asked why the poor have no food and they called me a communist. -Dom Halder Camara
* To be in church isn't to be calmed down, as some people say they get when they are at Mass. I'm worked up I'm excited by being so close to Jesus, but the closer I get, the more I worry about what He wants of us, what He would have us do before we die.
-Dorothy Day
* But the Lord answered me, Say not "I am too young." To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. -Jeremiah 1:7
Food! We are surrounded by food everyday. Just think of all the restaurants, fast-food establishments, and grocery stores in the metro area. Is it really possible to fast when food is a cultural preoccupation? The sacred scriptures of our Jewish-Christian Tradition call us to fasting. It is the word of God! But fasting in a country of plenty is foreign to us. When the scriptures were written, people lived a completely different lifestyle when it came to food. At the end of the workday they didn't say, "Let's order a pizza." "Let's go out to dinner tonight." "Let's go to Chammp's for a beer and burger." How can we fast, why should we fast, why do we "give up" meat on Fridays during Lent? Do you know anyone who takes fasting seriously these days? Why do they fast?
Yes, there are contemporary Americans who fast for spiritual reasons. They don't fast or abstain from meat to draw attention to themselves or to a cause, like a hunger strike. Nor do they fast as a way to diet. They fast as a way of emptying themselves before God. Many of us hide our true self (the self that longs for union with God) with food and other comforts. Fasting, more than any other spiritual discipline, reveals the things that control us.
Why fast? In addition to the spiritual reason, being totally empty before God, which is central, one can fast to be in solidarity with the hungry around the world, and those who are hungry right here in Minnesota. Many citizens can't afford to buy groceries, much less eat out. Can we be one with the poor in their need? We can fast for peace or for an end of hunger. Sound Impossible? If all the disciples of Jesus responded to hunger, it could end in our world.
But I can't fast for medical reasons! How about fasting from TV, movies, shopping, use of credit cards, personal recognition or being over-scheduled?! The question for all of us over the age of 14, can I approach God empty instead of being full of self?
Instead of being legalistic or grumbling about fasting, we need to ask ourselves as people of faith, What does God want to accomplish through this practice?
Once again, it is about God and God in my life. Will fasting, giving up meat on Fridays or some other activity in my life open up space for me to hear God speak more clearly? Fasting is not about us being in control of life, but for God to be in control, to redirect us, and to heal us.
Are there places in our lives where abstinence from food, some activity, some daily pattern, or gratification might be helpful? What does God want us to do with our lives or change in our lives? Can we slow down, simplify our lives, empty ourselves and be silent before the holy presence of God? Yes, even teenagers need to empty self before God? You are important to God and you need to hear God direct your life. Don't say, Lord, I am too young! Now is the time for you to be open to God…your whole life is before you. Is God the center of your existence? What does God want you to do?
Next weekend, as we leave Mass, we will receive an empty grocery bag. We are asked to return them the following weekend, April 5-6, and place them around the altar of sacrifice. The food collected will be given to the local food shelf. With the poor economy, more and more good people need to ask for food. You and I both know that it isn't too much to ask that all of us over 14 fill up a large bag with food for those who need it. Ask your teen or young adult to fill their own bag.
God is never outdone in generosity.
Who loves you, kid?
Fr. Bill
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