Sunday Dive

Episode 020: BONUS! The Biblical Basis of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving (Mass Readings for Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020)

Episode Summary

The threefold practice of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving has a history that pre-dates the Christian practice of Lent and serves to eradicate human sinfulness at its root. We'll look at this history through the lens of the First Letter of John as well as the story of the fall and link that back to our own Lent. We'll also discuss how Jesus elevates this ancient threefold practice by calling for secrecy and how this secrecy helps us overcome our egoism. Lastly, we'll discuss the tool that God most frequently uses to help us overcome ourselves in the spiritual life and why - even if you fail at Lent - you can still find fruit in your struggle.

Episode Notes

Bibliography/Resources

• The Gospel of Matthew (Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture Series)
• Verbum Bible Software - www.verbum.com

References

• Tobit 12:8 - "Prayer is good when accompanied by fasting, almsgiving, and righteousness."
• 1 John 2:16 - "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life"
• Genesis 3:16 - "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, and he ate."