Why Do We Fast, and You Do Not See It?

The first reading today is one of those “slap in the face” readings. The prophets of the Old Testament definitely had it rough, but this is one of those times that it was particularly intense. The sarcasm of Isiah just comes through loud and clear! What the Lord is basically saying to Isiah is, “Tell these two-faced people that I see right through their act! They don’t do what I ask them to, and then they come to me with their external fasting and wonder why I don’t respond!”

There are a couple of aspects of this theme that stand out to me. First, the concept of fasting, and then the whole idea of reparation. In the end, the overarching question becomes, what does God really want?

The people Isiah was sent to were obviously doing some kind of fasting, so what was the problem? What does God see as the purpose of fasting? What do I think is the purpose of fasting? Is it really about just not eating meat on Fridays?

Of course not! God doesn’t want my empty belly, he wants my heart! Deciding not to eat meat on Fridays, in itself, can’t repair for my sins or the sins of others. However, choosing to offer my fast of meat on Fridays to God because I love him, that can change the world! God doesn’t see fasting, he sees love.

Fasting From My Own Pursuits

I think all of us, myself included, can tend to look for the personal benefits of fasting. By nature, fasting is not enjoyable, so naturally one tends to look for other benefits as motivation. This can be a pitfall, however, when the types of fasting we choose are all about ourselves! We justify our need for change by labeling it as fasting: “I’m going to fast from sweets so I lower my chances of diabetes.” “I’ll fast from buying that coffee, and make my own so I save money.” “This is my chance to create a healthy diet habit, so I’ll kill two birds with one stone!”

When fasting becomes self-centered is when it becomes ineffective. Look at the second part of the reading from Isiah: “This, rather, is the fasting I wish…” each of those actions are all about others! Fasting is about love – loving your neighbor, and loving God through your neighbor.

The Offering of a Heart Contrite and Humbled

What God really wants out of fasting is our hearts. He is looking for a change in our hearts. He is looking for us to love him more, to turn toward him in those around us: “releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.” (Is. 58:6-7)

Let’s look for God’s type of fasting this Lent and see what he does with our loving offerings. Let’s wait for this line of Scripture to come true in us: “Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer, you shall cry for help and he will say: Here I am!” (Is. 58:9)

[Readings: Is 58:1-9a; Mt 9:14-15]