DAILY CATHOLIC MASS 2/20/26 | The Fasting That I Wish: Connecting with Christ through Mercy

Описание: Welcome! Join The CatholicTV Network for the full Daily Mass celebration on this Friday after Ash Wednesday as we deepen our commitment to the Lenten season.

In today’s stirring homily, Father Adrian Milik reflects on the true purpose of our Lenten penances. Drawing from the powerful words of the Prophet Isaiah, he reminds us that fasting is not merely about "bowing one's head like a reed," but about releasing those bound unjustly and sharing our bread with the hungry. Father Milik encourages us to focus not on the "what" of our sacrifices, but the "why"—uniting ourselves with the suffering of others to find the hidden face of Jesus. This Mass is an invitation to move beyond the "sackcloth and ashes" of external ritual toward a genuine transformation of heart that allows us to rejoice in the presence of the Bridegroom.

The Scriptures highlight the transition from empty ritual to active charity:
-The First Reading (Isaiah 58:1-9a): The Lord commands the prophet to lift up his voice like a trumpet to tell the people of their sins. He rebukes those who fast while pursuing their own interests and quarreling, declaring that the fasting He desires involves setting the oppressed free and sheltering the homeless.
-The Responsorial Psalm (Ps 51): A plea for interior renewal: "Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned".
-The Holy Gospel (Matthew 9:14-15): The disciples of John the Baptist ask Jesus why His followers do not fast like the Pharisees. Jesus responds with a profound theological truth: the wedding guests cannot mourn while the Bridegroom is with them, but the days will come when He is taken away, and then they will fast. May the "sacred time for the renewing and purifying of our hearts" help us to hold fast to the things that eternally endure.

Mass Chapters for Navigation

-Introductory Rites / Penitential Act: 1:04
-Collect (Opening Prayer): 2:15
-First Reading: 2:41
-Responsorial Psalm: 4:47
-Gospel: 7:28
-Homily: 8:06
-Prayers Of The Faithful: 14:47
-Liturgy of the Eucharist Begins: 15:58
-Eucharistic Prayer / Consecration: 17:59
-The Lord's Prayer: 23:37
-Communion: 25:52
-Concluding Rites / Final Blessing: 27:06

Theological & Liturgical Context
-Season: Friday after Ash Wednesday (Lent).
-Gospel Focus: The bridegroom imagery; Jesus identifies Himself as the source of joy, teaching that Lenten fasting is a way to prepare our hearts for His return and to recognize Him in those who are suffering.
-Homily Key Message: We avoid making others suffer for our own penances by focusing on charity; when we see Jesus in the face of the needy, our hearts are freed to rejoice at Easter.

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