Friday after Ash Wednesday 2026
Two days into our Lenten observance, we are confronted with
a “full-throated” cry. We must lift up our voices like trumpets and tell God’s
people about their wickedness. The people seek God daily, asking to know His ways. We are told that they act like
a nation that has done justice and not abandoned God’s law.
But it’s a hoax.
They ask God to tell them what recompense is due them for their actions, and
complain that their fasting from various pleasures and their self-discipline is
not bringing God’s reward. But it’s all pretend. God wants a true fast, not
just lying down garbed in sackcloth with ashes all over. God’s desire is that
we release anyone we have bound unjustly, and set free the oppressed, share
bread with the hungry, and provide shelter for the homeless. Until we do that for
the needy, we won’t deserve the response of the Lord.
Our psalmist “gets it” today. He doesn’t pray, “look at all I have done, Lord, and reward me.” He asks God for his mercy, and for a thorough washing from guilt. The psalm was written by King David as an act of repentance
for his grave sin against God’s justice. He had taken one of his officer’s wives for himself, and then had that officer slain in battle to cover it up. When confronted by his prophet, Nathan, he didn’t pretend to have a defense. He said, “I have sinned.” And he bore up under the temporal punishment for his
sin.
That should be our sincere approach to our Lenten observance. Admit our
guilt, confess our sins, and ask for the Lord’s forgiveness. God will accept
our prayer if we are honest with Him, and with ourselves.
Two verses from the Gospel are all we hear today, but they
say a great deal. John’s disciples wondered why they and the Pharisees fast,
but Christ’s disciples did not practice that discipline. Jesus responded that
at a wedding banquet, the guests would not think of fasting. Jesus declares
Himself to be the Bridegroom. The bride is, of course, the Church. As we wait
in hope and faith for the return of Jesus, our Bridegroom, we fast and pray and
give alms. Let’s remember to do so with the right intention. Jesus does not owe
us anything, does He? We owe Him everything. Keeping that attitude, we cannot
fail to prepare for the Resurrection.
