Question of fasting

As we begin our Lenten journey, we might be wondering if we should fast. Today's first reading from Isaiah 58:1-9 gives us one answer. He criticizes those who observe the fasting laws but are not living honest and just lives. First of all, Isaias says true fasting should lead to working for the freedom of those who are treated unjustly, then he teaches that the fasting that pleases the Lord is ''to share your bread with the hungry, shelter the homeless poor, and clothe those who are naked.'' In a word we could say that fasting is sharing what we have with those who are in need. When John's disciples ask Jesus why his disciples do not fast, he replies that just as the friends of a bridegroom do not fast during the week-long wedding feast so there is no need for the disciples to fast while Jesus is with them (Matthew 9:14-15). We are not yet fully united with Jesus as we will be in Heaven. So to decide to eat or drink a little less could be a helpful sign to remind us to reduce our dependence on material things and dedicate a little time each day to union with Jesus through prayer based on a gospel reading. Then we might hear him asking us to share what we have with others as well as to pray for all those victims of war and oppression..