The practice of fasting is found in almost all religions.
Fasting as a form of spiritual discipline is also highlighted as we began Lent with Ash Wednesday, besides that of prayer and alms giving.
But fasting is more than just skipping a meal and feeling the physical hunger.
Fasting is also a form of prayer, and as in any form of prayer, it must also bring us closer to God.
As we heard in the 1st reading, the Lord says this: Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me, to break the unjust fetters and undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke, to share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor, to cloth the man you see to be naked and not turn from your own kin?
In short, fasting should cleanse us from selfishness and greed and to draw us closer to God and to those who are in need.
Fasting also cleanses us of the darkness of sin in us and brings about the healing grace of God so that God's light can shine within us again.
So let us take this spiritual discipline of fasting seriously, and we will see the fruits in our lives, fruits of love, kindness, compassion and charity.
And we will also be drawn closer to God and to our neighbour.