Daily Gospel Reflection for July 8, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Caitlan Rangel

Today's Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17

I struggled with disordered eating for years, so fasting is something I’ve had to approach with much reverence and tenderness. Even when I came to a point of greater health and wholeness—a healing due in great part to motherhood—I feared that fasting would be the entry to a rabbit hole of past pain and disorder.

As I have created habits that allow me and my family to approach food in a healthy and holy way, I have learned to incorporate fasting back into my life. So, how do we fast in a way that brings us closer to the bridegroom?

First, our family practices abstaining from meat and/or other special food or drink on Fridays. We talk about how on Friday we focus on how Jesus sacrificed his life for us. We in turn make a sacrifice of our comfort and immediate desires because we love Him.

A second way we fast as a family is by keeping our focus on simplicity. For example, we may want take-out (and some days we do order in!), but if there is a way to bring together a simple soup, make eggs, eat leftovers, or even pop a frozen pizza in the oven, we try to take that option.

A final way we incorporate fasting into our family life is by recalling many people who do not have sufficient food—fasting becomes an opportunity for solidarity. I may want an extra snack after dinner—and sometimes it’s necessary, if I’m pregnant, for example—but if I delay for just 30 minutes and instead offer a prayer for those who have not, I am often satisfied with going without extras.

When viewed through this lens, fasting becomes an opportunity for formation in holiness instead of an occasion for disorder.

Ponder:

What role does fasting play in my spiritual life? Do I use it as a means of control or an opportunity for surrender, simplicity, and solidarity?

Pray:

Jesus, You are our love. Give us the grace to practice fasting in such a way that it brings us closer to Your heart and the ones You love.

Click to tweet:
Even when I came to a point of greater health and wholeness—a healing due in great part to motherhood—I feared that fasting would be the entry to a rabbit hole of past pain and disorder. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Caitlan Rangel

Caitlan Rangel is a wife and homeschooling mama of four. After years of struggling with disordered eating, motherhood has been one of God’s greatest instruments of healing. Caitlan creates habits to raise a family with a healthy and holy approach to food. Read her Rest & Rise newsletter to receive bites of nourishment for parenting, restoring health, and living with God.