Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Friday of the 22nd week in ordinary time, September 4, 2026

Delivered by Gracia Ida from Saint Peter's School Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara, in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. 1 Corinthians 4: 1-5; Rs psalm 37: 3-6.27-28.39-40; Luke 5: 33-39.THE ESSENCE OF FASTING The theme for our meditation today is: The Essence ofFasting. There is a man named Agustinus, a husband to his wife and a father ofthree teenagers. They know very well that every Friday their father fasts. Hedrinks only water and does not eat anything. He is also not looked for anyparticular works or businesses. Things that are related to the house and guestswho might want to meet him will be attended by the wife and children. In short,the Friday fast for Agustinus in essence is a presence but in fact it is anabsence. When some of his neighbors wanted to meet, they weresure that Agustinus was in the house, because they happened to see him at home.But when they asked his wife and children about him, the answer given wasalways an information that Agustinus was not at home. In other words, whatAgustinus really does with his fasting is a way to create"nothingness" so that people around will know that he is not present.He is having a spiritual training which is fasting. This understanding of absence when one fasts is whatJesus intended to teach people who did not understand the essence of fasting.Jesus said that when He was seen and was present among the people and Hisdisciples, they needed not to fast. However, when He was no longer with them,then it was time for them to fast. The Lord indeed teaches us that, when thereis a presence as people interact with one another, when they cooperate orcomplement each other and they build togetherness, they actually show anessence of the feast of life. In this reality, people are not in a situation toexperience absence or sort of nothingness. In fact, every time we fast we actually create anabsence for ourselves and we choose to enjoy it. For example, a person who doesnot eat and drink as a way to fast. This means that he does not experience thepresence of food and drink during his moment of fasting. A person who fasts andabstains from cigarettes and alcohol drinks, this means that he does not spendmoney for cigarettes and drinks. People who fast shopping for their favoriteitems to comfort themselves, this means that they have no chance and money forshopping such interesting things. In the practice of spiritual life, people who fast areasked to eliminate worldly needs or interests, so that their souls are notcontaminated with those influences, then they only concentrate on an intimaterelationship with God. This is the essence of fasting. Thus, it is true withwhat Saint Paul says in his first letter to the Corinthians as our firstreading today, "God will show what is planned in the heart". Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... Almighty God, look at us with Yourcompassion so that we can renew our spirit of faith from pretense orindifference to sincerity. Hail Mary, full of grace ... In name of the Father...