Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Isaiah 58:6-9
“Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me—it is the Lord who speaks—to break unjust fetters and undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke, to share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor, to clothe the man you see to be naked and not turn from your own kin? Then will your light shine like the dawn, and your wound be quickly healed over. Saving justice will go before you, and the Lord’s glory behind you. Then you will cry, and the Lord will answer; you will call, and he will say, ‘I am here.’”

Reflection:

Today, through the prophet Isaiah, God speaks to us about the true meaning of fasting. Too often, we focus on what we are giving up—a favorite food, an indulgence, or a habit. But Isaiah reveals that true fasting is about freedom—freedom from the chains that bind us, and freedom to love and serve others more fully.

St. John Cassian, in his teachings on the spiritual life, writes:
“Fasting restrains gluttony, the root of all vices, and cuts off the fuel that feeds the activity of the evil one.”(Conferences, Book 5, Chapter 6)

For Cassian, fasting is not just about discipline for the body but a weapon for the soul. It weakens the power of sin and creates space for God’s grace to work in us. True fasting is about more than denial; it is about transformation. It purifies our hearts, helping us to focus on God and respond to the needs of others.

The Desert Fathers echo this wisdom. Abba John said:
“If a man shuts his mouth but harbors resentment in his heart, he is fasting only outwardly.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, John 5)

Fasting is not just about abstaining from food—it is about letting go of pride, selfishness, and judgment so that God’s light can shine through us. Isaiah promises that when we fast in this way, “Then will your light shine like the dawn, and your wound be quickly healed over.”Fasting brings freedom and healing, not just for ourselves but for those around us.

The great St. Augustine, in his Sermon on the Lord’s Prayer, reminds us that fasting must always be paired with charity:
“Do you wish your prayer to fly toward God? Give it two wings: fasting and almsgiving.” (Sermon 206)

When we fast, it should lead us to greater generosity—sharing our bread with the hungry, clothing the naked, and sheltering the homeless. It should open our eyes to the needs of others and our hearts to love.

Reflection Questions:

Take a moment to sit with these questions and let them guide your prayer today:

1. What attachments or habits weigh us down and prevent us from living freely in God’s love?
2. How is God calling us to a deeper, interior fast that transforms our hearts?
3. How can our fasting bring healing and light to others in our lives?

Closing Prayer:

Let us now bring our time of reflection to God in prayer, asking for His grace to help us live out the fast that He desires.

Lord, You have shown us the fast that pleases You: to break chains, to love generously, and to walk humbly with You. Help us to fast not only with our bodies but with our hearts. Free us from the attachments that weigh us down, and open our eyes to the needs of others. May our fasting this Lent be a source of healing, renewal, and light—for ourselves and for the world.
Amen.

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):
Matthew 4:17
“From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'”

Reflection:

Today’s scripture reminds us of Jesus’ central message as He begins His public ministry: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins. It is about turning—turning away from darkness and sin and toward the light of God’s grace. It is a reorientation of our hearts, minds, and lives toward God.

This turning can feel daunting. We may be hesitant to confront our weaknesses, our failures, and the ways we have strayed from God. Yet, Jesus’ call to repentance is not harsh or condemning. It is an invitation to healing and renewal. The kingdom of heaven is near because Jesus Himself has drawn near. He does not call us to change on our own but to open our hearts to His transforming love.

The Desert Fathers often spoke of repentance as a daily turning of the heart. Abba Poemen said: “Do not give your heart to that which does not satisfy the heart.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Poemen 15) His words challenge us to examine our lives honestly. What are the things we cling to that cannot satisfy the deeper longing of our hearts? What are the distractions or attachments that keep us from fully turning to God?

St. John Chrysostom, reflecting on repentance, said: “Be ashamed when you sin, not when you repent. Repentance is medicine, sin is the wound.” This image of repentance as medicine invites us to see it not as a burden but as a gift. It is the means by which God heals the wounds of our sin and restores us to wholeness.

St. Teresa of Ávila reminds us that this turning toward God must also come from a place of humility: “Do not let us deceive ourselves into thinking that because we confess our sins, we have repented. True repentance is shown in the amendment of life, in surrendering our will to God’s will.” Lent is an opportunity to not only ask for forgiveness but to commit to a renewed way of living in alignment with God’s grace.

As we reflect on Jesus’ call to repentance, let us take a moment to examine our own lives.

Repentance is not a one-time event. It is a daily practice, a continual turning of the heart toward God. Each day of Lent is an opportunity to take another step on this journey of conversion, trusting that God’s grace will meet us every step of the way.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are the areas in your life where God is calling you to repentance and renewal?
2. How can you let go of distractions or attachments that do not satisfy your heart?
3. What practical steps can you take today to turn more fully toward God?

Closing Prayer:

Let us conclude with a prayer of repentance and trust in God’s mercy:

Lord Jesus, You call us to repent and turn toward the light of Your kingdom. Help us to recognize the ways we have strayed from You and to trust in Your mercy. Heal the wounds of our sin and renew our hearts by Your grace. May this day be a step closer to You, as we open ourselves to Your transforming love. Strengthen us to let go of what does not satisfy and to turn wholeheartedly to You.
Amen.

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):
Joel 2:12-13
“But now—it is the Lord who speaks—come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping, mourning. Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn, turn to the Lord your God again, for he is all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness, and ready to relent.”