Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Friday after Ash Wednesday, February 20th, 2026

Delivered by Vici from the Parish of Saint John the Baptist in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. Isaiah 58: 1-9a; Rs psalm 51: 3-4.5-6a.18-19; Matthew 9: 14-15.DOING FASTING INCHARITY AND PRAYER Our meditation today isentitled: Fasting in Charity and Praying. The three standard of piety we havemeditated yesterday, each of which does not stand alone. Praying is not anaction that has nothing to do with fasting and charity. Likewise, fasting andcharity. One righteous deed requires the others two in order to make a personrighteous and blessed before the Lord and can become an example for neighbors. Today's meditationwants to bring our attention to fasting that we do through the acts of charityand prayer. In every act of love one carries out his or her fasting. Likewisewhen there is an opportunity to pray, one fills and strengthens his or herfasting. Both our readings today illuminate our faith about fasting in charityand prayer. The book of theprophet Isaiah confirms that the act of fasting which is very effective inliving together and in accordance with God's will, is to open the chains ofburdens and punishments. All oppressed and fettered forms of life must beremoved. Actions or behaviors that deceive and cause trouble to others must bestopped. Hungry and thirsty people are given their satisfaction. Those whodon't have a house are given a place of refuge. Those who don't have clothesare given what they really deserve. Everything theprophet said had become concrete in Jesus Christ, who carried out the missionof God the Father, and who was accompanied by the apostles. Besides theapostles, there were many disciples who followed and accompanied Him whereverHe went and at every opportunity of His public ministry. To live with the LordJesus is to look at Him, talk to Him, hear Him, touch Him, acknowledge Him,believe in Him, and give oneself to stay with Him until death. These are allopportunities at all times living together in God, that suit all the criteriafor the prayer of a believer. Therefore Jesusenlightens us that, fasting is our active participation in God's presence. Hispresence animates our entire lives. If God has offered Himself to be with us,then why do humans look for ways to fast? All acts of fasting are actually forus to experience the Lord's presence. He is in our midst and we have to enjoyour fellowship with Him. So by being with God, we carry out the mission of theLord, that is to love and praise in His name. We share this love with thosearound us without limit because He always strengthens us through His words andblessings. Let's pray. In the name of the Father... Almighty and ever living God, fill our hearts with Your power that we maycontinue to share Your love with courage and without hesitation, especially inthis moment full of graces. Hail Mary, full of grace ... In the name of theFather ...