Holy Martyr Nicephorus.
Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
Zechariah 8:7-14. Zechariah 8:19-23.
Read Zechariah 8:7-14
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
As we prepare to enter the Great Fast the Church gives us this week Wednesday and Friday as warm updates for the upcoming season of repentance. These two days are a-liturgical, which means Divine Liturgy is not to be served on these days, just as on the weekdays of Great Lent. Today the prophet Zechariah speaks to us on how we are to approach a fasting season. He reminds us that fasting seasons are not something made up by human minds, but rather given to us by God. The Jewish people had them prescribed: “Thus says the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love truth and peace.” (Zech 8:19). Not only are there multiple seasons of fasting prescribed by God, but they are to be a time of joy and gladness. When was the last time you approached Great Lent—or any of the other fasting seasons—with joy. Usually we approach fasting with mourning for what we are giving up. The Lord is reminding us to have a different approach: we should be filled with joy because of what we are seeking to receive. Through prayer, fasting and works of charity I can open my heart to God ever more and strive to grow in authenticity of faith. That’s exciting and something to be enthusiastic about. These are privileged times given by God for the increase of joy and great blessing.
God who is eternally faithful promises: “And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.” (Zech 8:13). The Lord wants to bring about great blessing not only on those who belong to Him, but through them to others also. This is why we are reminded to be strong and faithful; especially during this time of the Fast. Through our faithfulness, our joy, our good deeds, which glorify our Father in heaven, people will be drawn to God: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” (Zech 8:23). In other words, by renewing our hearts and filling them with the Lord we become pleasing to God, but also very attractive to others—they will want God’s blessing and grace present within us.