The Fast That God Desires

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The Fast That God Desires

Readings:
First Reading   - Isaiah 58:1–9
Responsorial Psalm -  Psalm 51:3–6. 18–19
Glory and Praise   -  Amos 5:14
Gospel Reading   -  Matthew 9:14–15

As we begin our Lenten journey, the Church immediately challenges us to examine something deeper than ashes on our foreheads or food on our plates. Today’s readings ask a piercing question:

What kind of fasting is God truly looking for?

More Than Empty Ritual

In Isaiah 58, God speaks strongly to His people. They were fasting, bowing their heads, and performing religious acts — yet their hearts remained unchanged. They fasted while continuing injustice, conflict, and oppression.

God responds:

“Is this the fast that I choose?”

Then He reveals the fast He desires:

  • To loose the bonds of injustice

  • To share bread with the hungry

  • To shelter the homeless

  • To clothe the naked

True fasting is not just about giving something up — it is about giving ourselves away.

Lent is not spiritual performance. It is transformation.

A Contrite Heart

Psalm 51 reminds us that repentance begins within:

“A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

God is not impressed by outward sacrifice alone. What moves His heart is humility — honesty about our sin, sincerity in our desire to change.

Without a repentant heart, fasting becomes a ritual.
With a repentant heart, even a small sacrifice becomes pleasing to God.

Seek Good, Not Evil

Through the prophet Amos, we hear a simple but powerful instruction:

“Seek good and not evil, that you may live.”

Lent is not just about avoiding chocolate or social media. It is about actively seeking good — pursuing justice, practicing kindness, choosing integrity.

Turning away from evil is only half the journey. We must also turn toward what is good.

The Presence of the Bridegroom

In Matthew 9, people question why Jesus’ disciples are not fasting. Jesus responds:

“Can the wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is with them?”

Jesus identifies Himself as the Bridegroom. His presence brings joy. Yet He also points forward to a time when He will be taken away — and then they will fast.

Christian fasting is never empty sorrow. It is longing for deeper communion with Christ. It is making space for the Bridegroom.

When we fast properly, we are not just giving up food — we are making room for God.

The Light That Breaks Forth

Isaiah promises that when we fast in the way God desires:

“Your light shall break forth like the dawn… and the Lord will answer, ‘Here I am.’”

What a beautiful promise.

When fasting leads to mercy, repentance, and justice, God draws near.

Questions for Reflection

  • Is my Lenten fasting changing my heart, or only my habits?

  • Am I pairing sacrifice with acts of love?

  • What injustice, pride, or selfishness is God asking me to confront?

  • How can I make more room for Christ this season?

Prayer

Lord,
Teach me the fast that pleases You.
Break open my heart where it has grown hard.
Let my sacrifices lead to compassion.
Help me seek good and walk in justice.
May my Lent not be empty ritual,
but a journey that draws me closer to You.
Amen.

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