Friday after Ash Wednesday

• First Reading – Isaiah 58:1-9a: The Lord critiques superficial fasting and calls for actions reflecting genuine righteousness—freeing the oppressed and aiding the needy. This true fasting promises divine response, protection, and healing, revealing God’s desire for justice and compassion.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 51: God favors a heart that is truly repentant over any ritual sacrifice. Acknowledging my sins before Him, I seek His mercy for cleansing and forgiveness, knowing He welcomes sincere contrition.
• Gospel – Matthew 9:14-15: Jesus responded to inquiries about fasting by likening his presence to that of a bridegroom with his guests, suggesting that mourning through fasting was not suitable while he was with them. However, he acknowledged a future time of his absence when fasting would then be appropriate for his disciples.

The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

Matthew 9:15

The readings for the Friday after Ash Wednesday encourage us to reflect on how we live out our faith. They challenge us to examine our hearts, focus on sincere worship, and seek a deeper relationship with God through fasting, prayer, and service to others.

• True Fasting and Worship: Isaiah emphasizes that fasting is not just about outward actions but about living with justice and compassion. True worship includes helping those in need and sharing God’s love with others.
• Justice and Mercy: The first reading calls us to live with fairness and kindness, especially toward the poor and oppressed. Our faith is shown not only in prayer but also in how we care for others.
• Renewal Through Fasting: The Gospel reminds us that fasting is a way to grow closer to God and prepare our hearts for Him. Fasting is not just about giving something up but about making room for God’s grace.
• Faithful Commitment: Both readings encourage sincere faith, not just empty rituals. God values hearts that are committed to Him over outward displays of religion.
• God’s Promises of Healing: Isaiah speaks of God’s promises to guide and restore those who follow His ways. When we live faithfully, God brings light and healing to our lives.
• Seeking God’s Presence: The Gospel reminds us that fasting is about longing for God. It reflects a desire to seek His presence and grow in relationship with Him.

The Friday after Ash Wednesday invites us to look deeper into our faith and actions. Let us live with sincerity, focus on helping others, and open our hearts to God’s presence.

The readings for the Friday after Ash Wednesday challenge us to look deeper into the meaning of fasting and our actions during Lent. They teach us that fasting is not just about giving something up but about transforming our hearts and living with justice and mercy. Both Isaiah and Jesus invite us to seek God sincerely and to use this time to grow closer to Him through our actions and intentions.

Fasting with Purpose

The first reading for the Friday after Ash Wednesday reminds us that fasting is not just about what we give up but how we live. Isaiah challenges us to move beyond surface-level fasting. True fasting involves transforming our actions, treating others with kindness, and living justly.

God desires fasting that leads to change in our hearts and behavior. It should bring us closer to Him and encourage us to help those in need. When we fast, it should reflect a sincere desire to follow God’s ways and share His love with others.

This message reminds us to re-examine our Lenten fast. Are our actions showing love and mercy? Isaiah teaches us that God values fasting that brings justice, lifts burdens, and serves others.

Fasting in Its Time

In the Gospel for the Friday after Ash Wednesday, Jesus explains why His disciples do not fast while He is with them. He compares Himself to a bridegroom, saying that His presence is a time for joy, not mourning. Fasting has its place, but it is not needed when the bridegroom is present.

This teaching helps us see fasting as preparation for seeking God. When Jesus is not physically present, fasting becomes a way to focus our hearts on Him and long for His presence. It is not about outward appearances but about deepening our connection with God.

Jesus reminds us that fasting is a meaningful practice when done for the right reasons. It helps us reflect, grow closer to God, and prepare our hearts for Him.

Seeking God Through Fasting and Actions

A shared theme in the readings for the Friday after Ash Wednesday is the idea of seeking God through both fasting and our actions. Isaiah speaks of fasting as a call to live justly and serve others. The Gospel reminds us that fasting should come from a longing for God and a desire to grow closer to Him.

These readings teach us that fasting is not enough on its own. It must be paired with actions that reflect our faith. When we help others, forgive, and live with kindness, we honor God and strengthen our relationship with Him.

This is a reminder to approach Lent with sincerity and purpose. Fasting, prayer, and acts of mercy should all work together to draw us closer to God and help us live as He calls us to.

---

As we reflect on these teachings, let us consider how we can make our fasting meaningful. May we focus on loving God, helping others, and living in a way that honors Him throughout this season.

Prayer

Lord, guide us to fast in ways that honor You and help us grow closer to You. Teach us to care for others, act with kindness, and live with justice. May our actions and prayers reflect our love for You and bring us closer to Your presence. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you make your fasting a meaningful act of faith and love?
• Are your actions during Lent helping others and reflecting God’s love?
• How does fasting help you prepare your heart to grow closer to God?
• What changes in your behavior or priorities can you make to live more justly and kindly?

Word on Fire: Why Do We Fast?

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for the Friday after Ash Wednesday, emphasizing fasting as a means to awaken our deepest hunger for God. He explains that fasting disciplines our superficial desires, allowing us to recognize and pursue our profound hunger for the divine. Drawing on Thomas Merton’s analogy, Barron suggests that our basic desires, if unchecked, can overshadow our spiritual needs. Fasting serves to quiet these immediate desires, directing our yearning and attention towards God, revealing our true longing for divine communion.

USCCB Reflection: About Fasting

The USCCB reflection for the Friday after Ash Wednesday discusses the evolution of fasting practices in the Catholic Church from rigorous historical observance to the more moderated approach post-Second Vatican Council, highlighting only two mandated fast days: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It emphasizes that while the physical benefits of fasting, such as weight loss, are notable, the primary aim of fasting is spiritual. Fasting serves as a reminder of our reliance on God, prompts reflection on the source of our sustenance, and encourages actions toward social justice and personal conversion. Through fasting, we are called to focus on God, allowing His grace to move us towards compassion, repentance, and a deeper connection with others.

What date is the Friday after Ash Wednesday?

The next date is Friday March 7, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for the Friday after Ash Wednesday?

The Mass readings for Friday March 7, 2025 are:
First Reading  – Isaiah 58:1-9a: True Fasting and Its Rewards
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 51: The Value of True Repentance
Gospel – Matthew 9:14-15: The Question of Fasting

Why does Isaiah talk about fasting in the first reading for the Friday after Ash Wednesday?

Isaiah explains that fasting is more than just giving up food or other things. True fasting involves helping others, living justly, and sharing with those in need.

How can we apply the idea of true fasting to our lives?

We can focus on acts of kindness and justice, like helping the poor, forgiving others, and being honest in our dealings. These actions show that our fasting is sincere and comes from a loving heart.

How does the first reading for the Friday after Ash Wednesday connect fasting with justice?

The reading connects fasting with actions like feeding the hungry and helping the oppressed. It shows that true worship includes caring for others, not just personal sacrifice.

What does the first reading teach about helping others?

The first reading teaches that helping others is part of true faith. Acts of justice and mercy are ways to honor God and show love to those in need.

Why does Jesus talk about fasting differently in the Gospel for the Friday after Ash Wednesday?

Jesus explains that fasting is about preparing our hearts for God. It is a time to seek God’s presence and grow closer to Him.

What does fasting mean for us during Lent?

Fasting helps us make space for God by removing distractions. It is a way to reflect on our lives, turn away from sin, and focus on what truly matters.

Why does Jesus say the disciples don’t fast in the Gospel?

Jesus explains that fasting is not needed while He is with them. However, He points out that fasting will have its place when the time comes for them to seek Him more deeply.

How can we grow closer to God using the lessons from the Friday after Ash Wednesday?

We can fast with sincerity, focus on prayer, and take actions that show love for others. These steps help us grow in faith and seek God’s presence.

Why is fasting a key part of Lent?

Fasting is a way to reflect, remove distractions, and seek a stronger connection with God. It also helps us focus on serving others.

What is the main message of the Friday after Ash Wednesday?

The main message is to live with sincerity, combining acts of faith like fasting with justice, mercy, and love. True faith is shown in how we honor God and treat others.