Today’s readings call us to more closely consider how we fast and what we are fasting for. When I was younger, I thought fasting was only about what had to be given up. We would make a big deal out of discussing what we intended to give up for Lent that year. Sometimes it was something superfluous in our lives (sweets, a distracting hobby, perhaps meat), sometimes it was something difficult, but needed (less coffee, not smoking, less drinking). It took me many years to realize that fasting was so much more than just giving something up. In learning that, I also learned how communal fasting is. Isaiah reminds us this week what authentic fasting is:

“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.” (Isaiah 58:6-7)

True and meaningful fasting is even more difficult than what is given up; it is what is done instead. Fasting calls us to give up meat, but also give it to the poor instead. It asks us to take time away from our hobbies, and give that time to the oppressed instead. Fasting is one way to develop our personal relationship with God. But authentic fasting is so much more than an individual choice. It is more than just a sacrifice. Fasting should be done with the needs of others in mind as well. Our relationship with God is also communal. This Lenten season, strive to remember this, and have your fasting be meaningful to others, as well as to yourself.