This is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly; 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. When Jesus is challenged about his disciples not fasting he could easily have referred back to what fasting entails according the prophet Isaiah. Jesus’ whole life was an Isaiah-type fast of caring for those who were hurting or in need. Genuine fasting is not about getting down on oneself but giving of oneself to others. When Jesus says his disciples will fast when the bridegroom is gone, he is actually challenging them (us) to live as he lived — a life of service to the people of God. When we think of our own Lenten practices we must be wary if they are simply a form of self-improvement. Rather, all we do during Lent should lead to the love of God and love of neighbor.
