Mark 2:18-22 New American Bible

Mark 2:18-22 Bible Gateway New International Version

Fasting

Today’s Gospel mentions fasting. Fasting was used often as a way of repentance and mourning awaiting the Son of God. People dressed in ashes and rags and went without food and water to show God that they were sorry for their sins. On Ash Wednesday they put ashes on your forehead to remind you that your body was made of ashes and will return to ashes at your death. It is to remind you that your soul will live forever. During the six weeks of Lent, many people will eat only one main meal a day as a way of showing they are sorry for their sins. Others will go without meat on Fridays to show their love and thankfulness to Jesus for dying on the cross for their sins.

The sacrifice you make for God during Lent does not have to be food. It can be actions. You can do something good that you don’t usually do. You can save up your change from purchases you make and put it in the Sunday collection. You can stop eating snacks after school. You can say one kind thing each day about a person you have trouble getting along with. You can spend 15 extra minutes praying every day. Each day upon waking you can pray, Lord, let me be a peacemaker today.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God is alive in you every day. Talk to him and let him know how much you love him. Tell him how much you need him and want him to help you. He will show you what to do with any problem you are having. He will inspire you and help you polish your soul with goodness and mercy.

Say the “Our Father” to help you grow closer to God each day. Praise God for all the good things he gives you. Ask him to keep you away from the evils around you.

Ask this in Jesus’ name.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.