By Father Ted Brown, ms
Based on the Mass Readings for March 3
I'm a fan of the radio program "Car Talk" which features Tom and Ray Magliozzi, known as the Tappet Brothers. The show is so popular that now two years after Ray's death, it is still aired in 'encore editions.' These MIT-trained engineers ran the "Good News Garage" in Cambridge for years. When people call in with a car problem, they give both humorous and usually helpful advice.
Often people call in and say that their 'check engine' light is on. Before they get to the real issue, the often recommend 'black electricians tape,' placed over the dashboard just where the light shows. Also if there is a strange noise coming from the car, they recommend turning up the radio. They tell the callers with this done they can now ignore the problem rather than dealing with the real mechanical issue.
In today's reading from Isaiah, the people of Israel, are told their fasting, prayers, and other practices are like putting that black tape over the check engine light or turning up the radio. They wonder why God has not taken care of their problems after all their pious acts. "Why do we fast and you do not see it, afflict ourselves, and you take no note of it."
God then goes on and tells them their real 'sins', and they do not refrain from those. What does God want more than people 'hanging their heads, mumbling their prayers and going about with just ashes on their head?' Their real sin is their lack of care for those around them.
All our prayer and fasting should be leading us to concern for our neighbor. "Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and homeless, clothe the naked, and care for your family members." Through the prophet Isaiah, God says, "When you do these things then I will hear your prayers.'
Lent is a time we should pay attention to the 'check engine' light in our lives and see what is really wrong. Do we truly care for those in great need? Do we work to reconcile with family members and those around us? Do we care for the most vulnerable in our society?' If our hearts are cold and hard about these things, then all our fasting and prayers won't mean anything.
In Jesus we see the type of life we are to lead, he cares for the poor, the sick, those outside the good graces of society. He is the fullness of the kingdom, and when he is there, and we act like him, there is no need to fast.
As Lent begins, look around and see where you need to change and truly fix some of the things that broken in your life.
We are told that if you do these things:
"Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!"
Father Ted Brown, ms is a La Salette Missionary and currently the director of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro, MA. For twenty six years he was the Chaplain at Long Island University; Post Campus in Brookville, NY. If you bring him a coffee you will have a friend for life.
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