by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 25, 2023 | Evangelium
SUNDAY 26 febRuary
1st Sunday of Lent
Psalter week I
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 90: 15-16
When he calls on me, I will answer him; I will deliver him and give him glory, I will grant him length of days.
Collect
Grant, almighty God, through the yearly observances of holy Lent, that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and, by worthy conduct, pursue their effects. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Genesis 2: 7-9, 3: 1-7
The Lord God fashioned man of dust from the soil. Then he breathed into his nostrils a breath of life, and thus man became a living being. The Lord God planted a garden in Eden which is in the east, and there he put the man he had fashioned. The Lord God caused to spring up from the soil every kind of tree, enticing to look at and good to eat, with the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the middle of the garden. Now the serpent was the most subtle of all the wild beasts that the Lord God had made. It asked the woman, “Did God really say you were not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?” The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees in the garden. But of the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden God said, ‘You must not eat it, nor touch it, under pain of death.’” Then the serpent said to the woman, “No! You will not die! God knows in fact that on the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, knowing good and evil.” The woman saw that the tree was good to eat and pleasing to the eye, and that it was desirable for the knowledge that it could give. So she took some of its fruit and ate it. She gave some also to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they realised that they were naked. So they sewed fig-leaves together to make themselves loin-cloths.
Psalm 50(51): 3-6, 12-14, 17
R/ Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offence. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.
My offences truly I know them; my sin is always before me Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done.
A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit.
Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervour sustain me, O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Second reading: Romans 5: 12-19
Sin entered the world through one man, and through sin death, and thus death has spread through the whole human race because everyone has sinned. Sin existed in the world long before the Law was given. There was no law and so no one could be accused of the sin of “law-breaking”, yet death reigned over all from Adam to Moses, even though their sin, unlike that of Adam, was not a matter of breaking a law. Adam prefigured the One to come, but the gift itself considerably outweighed the fall. If it is certain that through one man’s fall so many died, it is even more certain that divine grace, coming through the one man, Jesus Christ, came to so many as an abundant free gift. The results of the gift also outweigh the results of one man’s sin: for after one single fall came judgement with a verdict of condemnation, now after many falls comes grace with its verdict of acquittal. If it is certain that death reigned over everyone as the consequence of one man’s fall, it is even more certain that one man, Jesus Christ, will cause everyone to reign in life who receives the free gift that he does not deserve, of being made righteous. Again, as one man’s fall brought condemnation on everyone, so the good act of one man brings everyone life and makes them justified. As by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
Gospel Acclamation: Mt 4: 4
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory! Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
Gospel: Matthew 4: 1-11
Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was very hungry, and the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves.” But he replied, “Scripture says: Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” The devil then took him to the holy city and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down; for scripture says: He will put you in his angels’ charge, and they will support you on their hands in case you hurt your foot against a stone. Jesus said to him, “Scripture also says: You must not put the Lord your God to the test. Next, taking him to a very high mountain, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. “I will give you all these,” he said, “if you fall at my feet and worship me.” Then Jesus replied, “Be off, Satan! For scripture says: You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone.’ Then the devil left him, and angels appeared and looked after him.
Prayer over the Offerings
Give us the right dispositions, O Lord, we pray, to make these offerings, for with them we celebrate the beginning of this venerable and sacred time. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Mt 4: 4
One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
Prayer after Communion
Renewed now with heavenly bread, by which faith is nourished, hope increased, and charity strengthened, we pray, O Lord, that we may learn to hunger for Christ, the true and living Bread, and strive to live by every word which proceeds from your mouth. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
May bountiful blessing, O Lord, we pray, come down upon your people, that hope may grow in tribulation, virtue be strengthened in temptation, and eternal redemption be assured. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation
The Church is living through a time of grace; forty days during which the assembly of God renews itself through prayer, fasting and works of piety. The story of the temptations of Adam and Eve, and of Jesus are meant to help in making choices; our choices are either in favour of God or against Him. St. Paul, in his Letter to the Romans, considers and compares the two temptation events, and points out in what manner their results and consequences affect our lives today. Satan puts causes Eve to doubt, asking if God really instructed them not to eat of the fruit. The damage is done before her eyes open to perceive the truth. They are naked before each other, try to cover part of their nakedness and even to hide from God. Jesus, on the contrary, remains steadfast before the Devil who tempts him. The Devil tries to use Jesus’ hunger against him. He also provokes pride and the hunger for power, but Jesus triumphs, using scripture and the power of God. You have these same tools. Use them this Lent to stay close to Jesus in Prayer, Fasting and Active Charity.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 24, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
samedi 25 FEVRIER
Bienheureux Roméo
Il était religieux carme. Il se rendait en Terre Sainte quand la peste le fit mourir à Lucques en Toscane.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 68, 17
Ecoute-nous, Seigneur, toi dont l’amour n’est que bonté ; en ta grande tendresse, regarde-nous.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu fort, Dieu éternel, regarde notre faiblesse : pour nous protéger, étends sur nous ta main toute-puissante. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Is 58, 9b-14
Ainsi parle le Seigneur : Si tu fais disparaître de chez toi le joug, le geste accusateur, la parole malfaisante, si tu donnes à celui qui a faim ce que toi, tu désires, et si tu combles les désirs du malheureux, ta lumière se lèvera dans les ténèbres et ton obscurité sera lumière de midi. Le Seigneur sera toujours ton guide. En plein désert, il comblera tes désirs et te rendra vigueur. Tu seras comme un jardin bien irrigué, comme une source où les eaux ne manquent jamais. Tu rebâtiras les ruines anciennes, tu restaureras les fondations séculaires. On t’appellera : « Celui qui répare les brèches », « Celui qui remet en service les chemins ». Si tu t’abstiens de voyager le jour du sabbat, de traiter tes affaires pendant mon jour saint, si tu nommes « délices » le sabbat et déclares « glorieux » le jour saint du Seigneur, si tu le glorifies, en évitant démarches, affaires et pourparlers, alors tu trouveras tes délices dans le Seigneur ; je te ferai chevaucher sur les hauteurs du pays, je te donnerai pour vivre l’héritage de Jacob ton père. Oui, la bouche du Seigneur a parlé.
Psaume : 86, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R/ Le Seigneur est tendresse et pitié
Écoute, Seigneur, réponds-moi, car je suis pauvre et malheureux. Veille sur moi qui suis fidèle, ô mon Dieu, sauve ton serviteur qui s’appuie sur toi.
Prends pitié de moi, Seigneur, toi que j’appelle chaque jour. Seigneur, réjouis ton serviteur : vers toi, j’élève mon âme !
Toi qui es bon et qui pardonnes, plein d’amour pour tous ceux qui t’appellent, écoute ma prière, Seigneur, entends ma voix qui te supplie.
Acclamation
Tes paroles, Seigneur, sont l’esprit et elles sont vie. Je ne prends pas plaisir à la mort du méchant, dit le Seigneur. Qu’il se détourne de sa conduite, et qu’il vive ! Tes paroles, Seigneur, sont l’esprit et elles sont vie.
Évangile : Lc 5, 27-32
En ce temps-là, Jésus sortit et remarqua un publicain (c’est-à-dire un collecteur d’impôts) du nom de Lévi assis au bureau des impôts. Il lui dit : « Suis-moi. » Abandonnant tout, l’homme se leva ; et il le suivait. Lévi donna pour Jésus une grande réception dans sa maison; il y avait là une foule nombreuse de publicains et d’autres gens attablés avec eux. Les pharisiens et les scribes de leur parti récriminaient en disant à ses disciples : « Pourquoi mangez-vous et buvez-vous avec les publicains et les pécheurs ? » Jésus leur répondit : « Ce ne sont pas les gens en bonne santé qui ont besoin du médecin, mais les malades. Je ne suis pas venu appeler des justes mais des pécheurs, pour qu’ils se convertissent. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Accepte, Seigneur, le sacrifice de louange et de pardon, afin que nos cœurs, purifiés par sa puissance, t’offrent un amour qui réponde à ton amour. Par Jésus
Antienne de la communion : Mt 9
C’est la miséricorde que je désire et non les sacrifices, dit le Seigneur. Car je ne suis pas venu appeler les justes, mais les pécheurs. »
Prière après la communion
Le sacrement de ta vie, Seigneur, nous a fortifiés ; qu’il nous achemine aux biens éternels dont il est le signe en notre vie. Par Jésus Christ.
Méditation
L’appel ou la vocation de Lévi signifie l’appel à la conversion de tous les hommes pécheurs que nous entendons retentir en ce temps de Carême. Lévi n’a pas hésité un seul instant à répondre favorablement à cet appel. Car il ne voulut pas manquer le temps favorable où Jésus, notre salut, passait à sa porte. Comme lui, ne remettons pas à demain ou à plus tard le temps de notre conversion: c’est aujourd’hui le temps favorable. En quittant son siège de publicain, il a quitté un état de vie où il était assis et établi dans le péché. Et ceci en changeant d’identité, d’itinéraire et de perspectives de vie. C’est aussi ce que la conversion doit nous donner d’opérer : quitter un état de péché où nous sommes établis; changer d’identité, d’itinéraire et de perspectives de vie. Son nom, qui signifie attaché, laisse penser qu’il était un homme de cœur. Comme lui, soyons des hommes et femmes de cœur attachés à Jésus.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 24, 2023 | Evangelium
SATURDAY 25 febRuary
SAINT ETHELBERT
He was the first king in England to convert to Christianity. According to Bede, this happened shortly after St Augustine arrived on his mission to the English.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 68: 17
Answer us, Lord, for your mercy is kind; in the abundance of your mercies, look upon us.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, look with compassion on our weakness and ensure us your protection by stretching forth the right hand of your majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Isaiah 58: 9-14
The Lord says this: If you do away with the yoke, the clenched fist, the wicked word, if you give your bread to the hungry, and relief to the oppressed, your light will rise in the darkness, and your shadows become like noon. The Lord will always guide you, giving you relief in desert places. He will give strength to your bones and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never run dry. You will rebuild the ancient ruins, build up on the old foundations. You will be called “Breach-mender”, “Restorer of ruined houses?’ If you refrain from trampling the sabbath, and doing business on the holy day, if you call the Sabbath ‘Delightful’, and the day sacred to the Lord ‘Honourable’, if you honour it by abstaining from travel, from doing business and from gossip, then shall you find your happiness in the Lord and I will lead you triumphant over the heights of the land. I will feed you on the heritage of Jacob your father. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Psalm 85:1-6
R/ Show me, Lord, your way, so that I may walk in your truth.
Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am faithful; save the servant who trusts in you.
You are my God, have mercy on me, Lord, for I cry to you all the day long. Give joy to your servant, O Lord, for to you I lift up my soul.
O Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of love to all who call. Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my voice.
Gospel Acclamation: cf Ps 94: 8
Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God! Harden not your hearts today, but listen to the voice of the Lord. Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!
Gospel: Luke 5: 27-32
Jesus noticed a tax collector, Levi by name, sitting by the customs house, and said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything he got up and followed him. In his honour Levi held a great reception in his house, and with them at table was a large gathering of tax collectors and others. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples and said, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus said to them in reply, “It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, we pray, O Lord, the sacrifice of conciliation and praise, and grant that, cleansed by its working, we may offer minds well pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Mt 9: 13
I desire mercy, not sacrifice, says the Lord, for I did not come to call the just but sinners.
Prayer after Communion
Nourished with the gift of heavenly life, we pray, O Lord, that what remains for us a mystery in this present life may be for us a help to reach eternity. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
Abide graciously, O Lord, with your people, who have touched the sacred mysteries, that no dangers may bring affliction to those who trust in you, their protector. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation
Lent is that time during which we join to mortify ourselves with the one who continues to pay for our ransom with his blood. In the Gospel of today, Christ shows us God’s abundant and just favor and mercy for all: “It is not the healthy that are in need of a physician but the sick. I have come not to call the righteous but sinners.” He has come to restore sinners to good spiritual health. The call, conversion and mission of Levi (or Matthew) prove that God does not call us for who we are but rather for what he can use us for. The reading from Isaiah teaches us that if we are sympathetic like Levi, inviting other sinners to Christ and bringing relief to those who suffer, then God has a message addressed to each of us today: “your light will rise in the darkness, and your shadows become like noon. The Lord will always guide you, giving you relief in desert places. He will give strength to your bones and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never run dry.” This is what we shall become at the end of Lent if we make the effort.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 23, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
vendredi 24 FEVRIER
SAINT Modeste
Confesseur mort en 480, on ne commence à parler de lui qu’à la fin du 9e siècle. Il serait devenu Évêque de Trèves en Rhénanie dès le début du règne de Clovis comme roi des Francs.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 29, 11
Le Seigneur m’a entendu et m’a pris en pitié. Le Seigneur est venu à mon aide.
Prière d’ouverture
Que ta bienveillance nous accompagne, Seigneur, durant ces jours de privation, pour que la discipline imposée à notre corps soit vraiment pratiquée avec amour. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Is 58, 1-9a
Ainsi parle le Seigneur Dieu: Crie à pleine gorge ! Ne te retiens pas! Que s’élève ta voix comme le cor! Dénonce à mon peuple sa révolte, à la maison de Jacob ses péchés. Ils viennent me consulter jour après jour, ils veulent connaître mes chemins. Comme une nation qui pratiquerait la justice et n’abandonnerait pas le droit de son Dieu, ils me demandent des ordonnances justes, ils voudraient que Dieu soit proche: « Quand nous jeûnons, pourquoi ne le vois-tu pas? Quand nous faisons pénitence, pourquoi ne le sais-tu pas ? » Oui, mais le jour où vous jeûnez, vous savez bien faire vos affaires, et vous traitez durement ceux qui peinent pour vous. Votre jeûne se passe en disputes et querelles, en coups de poing sauvages. Ce n’est pas en jeûnant comme vous le faites aujourd’hui que vous ferez entendre là-haut votre voix. Est-ce là le jeûne qui me plaît, un jour où l’homme se rabaisse? S’agit-il de courber la tête comme un roseau, de coucher sur le sac et la cendre? Appelles-tu cela un jeûne, un jour agréable au Seigneur? Le jeûne qui me plaît, n’est-ce pas ceci: faire tomber les chaînes injustes, délier les attaches du joug, rendre la liberté aux opprimés, briser tous les jougs? N’est-ce pas partager ton pain avec celui qui a faim, accueillir chez toi les pauvres sans abri, couvrir celui que tu verras sans vêtement, ne pas te dérober à ton semblable? Alors ta lumière jaillira comme l’aurore, et tes forces reviendront vite. Devant toi marchera ta justice, et la gloire du Seigneur fermera la marche. Alors, si tu appelles, le Seigneur répondra; si tu cries, il dira : « Me voici. »
Psaume : 51, 3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19
R/ Tu ne repousses pas, ô mon Dieu, un cœur brisé et broyé
Pitié pour moi, mon Dieu, dans ton amour, selon ta grande miséricorde, efface mon péché. Lave moi tout entier de ma faute, purifie-moi de mon offense.
Oui, je connais mon péché, ma faute est toujours devant moi. Contre toi, et toi seul, j’ai péché, ce qui est mal à tes yeux, je l’ai fait.
Si j’offre un sacrifice, tu n’en veux pas, tu n’acceptes pas d’holocauste. Le sacrifice qui plaît à Dieu, c’est un esprit brisé; tu ne repousses pas, ô mon Dieu, un cœur brisé et broyé.
Acclamation
Gloire au Christ, Sagesse éternelle du Dieu vivant, Gloire à toi, Seigneur. Cherchez le bien, non le mal, afin de vivre. Ainsi le Seigneur sera avec vous. Gloire au Christ, Sagesse éternelle du Dieu vivant, Gloire à toi, Seigneur. (cf. Am 5,14)
Évangile : Mt 9, 14-15
En ce temps-là, les disciples de Jean le Baptiste s’approchèrent de Jésus en disant : « Pourquoi, alors que nous et les pharisiens, nous jeûnons, tes disciples ne jeûnent-ils pas ? » Jésus leur répondit: « Les invités de la noce pourraient-ils donc être en deuil pendant le temps où l’Époux est avec eux ? Mais des jours viendront où l’Époux leur sera enlevé ; alors ils jeûneront. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Permets, Seigneur, que le sacrifice, offert en ce temps de préparation pascale, nous rende agréables à tes yeux et plus généreux dans le renoncement. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion Ps 24, 4
Seigneur enseigne-moi tes chemins, fais-moi connaître ta route.
Prière après la communion
Nous t’en prions, Dieu tout-puissant : que cette communion nous purifie de nos péchés et nous aide à prendre les moyens de guérison que tu nous offres en ce temps de Carême. Par Jésus.
Méditation
« Jésus est l’Époux, c’est-à-dire Dieu lui-même, pour l’Épouse qui est le peuple de ses fidèles disciples. La joie d’être avec lui, en communion intime avec lui, fait qu’il n’est plus question pour nous chrétiens de nous revêtir d’un manteau de tristesse. Dans la pratique du jeûne, les disciples de Jean Baptiste prenaient sur eux le deuil, pour se mortifier et réfréner leurs penchants mauvais. Nous jeûnons, nous les disciples de Jésus, en l’absence de l’Époux. Mais l’action en nous de l’Esprit Saint nous fait entrer dans cette ère nouvelle de joie et d’action de grâce, quand nous jeûnons. À nous donc de nous laisser animer par l’Esprit Saint.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 23, 2023 | Evangelium
FRIDAY 24 febRuary
SAINT JOHN THERISTUS
He was a Benedictine monk of Calabrian lineage, born in Sicily. At a young age he became a monk. He helped to miraculously harvest a large crop ahead of destructive weather, saving the locals from starvation. There he remained until his death of natural causes, in 1129.
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 29: 11
The Lord heard and had mercy on me; the Lord became my helper.
Collect
Show gracious favour, O Lord, we pray, to the works of penance we have begun, that we may have strength to accomplish with sincerity, the bodily observances we undertake. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Isaiah 58: 1-9
Thus says the Lord: Shout for all you are worth, raise your voice like a trumpet. Proclaim their faults to my people, their sins to the House of Jacob. They seek me day after day, they long to know my ways, like a nation that wants to act with integrity and not ignore the law of its God. They ask me for laws that are just, they long for God to draw near: “Why should we fast if you never see it, why do penance if you never notice?” Look, you do business on your fast-days, you oppress all your workmen; look, you quarrel and squabble when you fast and strike the poor man with your fist. Fasting like yours today will never make your voice heard on high. Is that the sort of fast that pleases me, a truly penitential day for men? Hanging your head like a reed, lying down on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call fasting, a day acceptable to the Lord? Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me – it is the Lord who speaks – to break unjust fetters and undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke, to share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor, to clothe the man you see to be naked and not turn from your own kin? Then will your light shine like the dawn and your wound be quickly healed over. Your integrity will go before you and the glory of the Lord behind you. Cry, and the Lord will answer; call, and he will say, “I am here.”
Psalm 50: 3-6, 18-19
R/A humbled, contrite heart, O God, you will not spurn.
Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offence. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.
My offences truly I know them; my sin is always before me Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done.
For in sacrifice you take no delight, burnt offering from me you would refuse, my sacrifice, a contrite spirit. A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.
Gospel Acclamation: cf. Ps 129: 5, 7
Glory and praise to you, O Christ! My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word, because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption. Glory and praise to you, O Christ!
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15
John’s disciples came to Jesus and said, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?” Jesus replied, “Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
Prayer over the Offerings
We offer, O Lord, the sacrifice of our Lenten observance, praying that it may make our intentions acceptable to you and add to our powers of self-restraint. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 24: 4
O Lord, make me know your ways, teach me your paths.
Prayer after Communion
We pray, almighty God, that, through partaking of this mystery, we may be cleansed of all our misdeeds, and so be suited for the remedies of your compassion. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
For your mighty deeds, O God of mercy, may your people offer endless thanks, and, by observing the age-old disciplines along their pilgrim journey, may they merit to come and behold you for ever. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation
We are three days into Lent, and today’s readings take us right into the very heart of what this penitential season is all about; Fasting. Isaiah tells us what God thinks of such religious works of sacrifice and/or penance! “…you call this a fast… you think this is acceptable to the Lord?” Do you think afflicting yourself, doing violent penance, bowing your heads in acknowledgement of your sinfulness, etc. are acts that please God and get God to answer your prayers? Not at all! That is letting your garments torn instead of your hearts being broken. Even a spiritual discipline like fasting can be manipulated. The prophet Isaiah speaks of people who ask God such questions like: “Why should we fast if you never see it, why do penance if you never notice.” Fasting helps us see clearly what is really important and necessary in our lives. It is a free action, performed joyfully in honour of the ONE we love. Fasting is a good spiritual discipline that leads us into a deeper relationship with God. It can be done for a variety of reasons: to gain freedom from some bad habit, addiction, or vice; to share in the sufferings of those who live in lack, or to grow in our hunger for God and for the things of heaven. Whatever the motivation, may our fast be genuine.
