Fr. Mathew's Wisdom

Fr. Mathew

From this week's Chancellor. These words of Fr. Mathew's really touched me.

Fasting is one of the ancient practices linked to Lent. Even in the basic level it helps us to know how it feels to be hungry. We spend
most of our time enjoying our material needs. As we give up food
for few hours it helps to remind us to think about our spiritual life,
which is more important than our material life. Often Lent’s meaning
has been reduced to the level of giving up something for the sake of doing it. Fasting should be linked to our concern for those who are
forced to fast by their poverty, those who suffer from the injustices of
economic and political structures, and those who are ‘in need’ for any
reason. God speaks to us through prophet Isaiah: “This, rather, is the
fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke;
sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the
homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.” (Is. 58: 6-7). Almsgiving is a sign of our care for
those in need and also an expression of our gratitude for
everything God has given to us. Whatever we have, we received as
a gift from God. It is our responsibility to share those material riches with those who cannot afford to have the basic needs of human life.

Father Mathew will be joining our class on March 8th.