Friday after Ash Wednesday
How are you oppressing others?
Do you quarrel and fight?
Do you share your bread with the hungry?
Do you clothe the naked?
Do you turn your back on the needs of others?
Do you think God is pleased with your fast?
What can you change in order to hear him say to you, “Here I am!”? Is 58:1-9a
What is the purpose of fasting?
Do you have Jesus with you? Mt 9:14-15
Questions from St. John Chrysostom
- What is prayer from the heart?
- Do you pray always?
- Is your spirit quick to reach out to God?
- Do you long for God?
- Is your house made out of humility, justice, good deeds, faith, generosity and prayer?
- Which one of these does your house lack?
From a sermon by St. John Chrysostom (Office of Readings, Second Reading for Friday after Ash Wednesday)
Image Credit: The Crucifixion, ca. 1675 by Bartolomé Estebán Murillo. PD/The Met