Isaiah 58:1-9 / Matthew 9:14-15
Whenever we embark on a task, especially a task that we are not that keen on, there may be a tendency for us to look for benefits or rewards in order to motivate us.
We may ask this question: what do I gain from it?
So even a spiritual discipline like fasting can be manipulated.
The prophet Isaiah tells of people who ask God such questions, like: Why should we fast if You never see it, why do penance if You never notice.
Let us remember that spiritual disciplines like fasting or alms-giving or even prayer is not meant to attract God's attention and gain spiritual points.
In the case of fasting, it is a spiritual discipline, a physical form of prayer, that helps us to come to a greater awareness of God in our lives and also to have a hunger for God.
Fasting helps us see clearly what is really important and necessary in our lives.
Fasting is a good spiritual discipline that leads us into a deeper relationship with God.
When we are in a deep relationship with God, we will know what to fast from.
We are to fast from sin, because it creeps so easily into our lives and clings tenaciously onto us.
Sin destroys our relationship with God. Fasting is a spiritual means to restore that relationship.