Isaiah 58:1-9 / Matthew 9:14-15
Fasting as a form of penance is often highlighted during the Lenten season.
On Ash Wed, we talking about fasting and doing penance.
Today's readings also talked about fasting.
But in the 1st reading, the prophet Isaiah pointed out to the people that they abused and misused the religious meaning of fasting.
The people practised fasting but their lives did not reflect the act of doing penance.
In spite and despite their fasting, they cheated in their business dealings, they quarreled and squabbled and oppressed the poor and weak.
They forgot, or actually ignored, the fact that fasting is a sign of the longing for the coming of the kingdom of God into their lives.
Fasting is a sign of the hungering for justice and righteousness.
Fasting is a sign of repentance and conversion and the hungering for God's mercy and forgiveness.
Hence fasting is not just an act of penance. It is also a form of prayer that should have the effect of reforming and renewing our lives.
Through fasting, we want to empty ourselves so that God can fill us with His love and compassion and mercy.
In our hunger for sincere repentance, we can be assured of what the prophet Isaiah said at the end of the 1st reading.
Your integrity will go before you and the glory of the Lord behind you.
Cry, and the Lord will answer; call, and He will say "I am here".