Spiritual edification is the focus of fasting

Ish 58:1-9, Mt. 9:14-15. It is obvious that Fasting is one of the three essentials of the Lenten season. Today's first reading puts some preconditions for us such that fasting will become a meaningful practice. Any fasting which has nothing to do with the life one lives, is of no merit. Fasting is always understood as a ritual of cleansing, preparation and mortification. In doing so, it regenerates our spiritual strength as it enables us to resist bodily cravings. In fasting the focus should be "the spiritual edification" and not fasting itself. The message of the prophet Isaiah is that true fasting primarily should enable us to get rid of sinful ways and attitudes and open the way for charity and compassion towards others. Growing closer to God and one another should be the motive behind fasting. The fasting God prescribes for us in this Lenten season is to clothe the naked, to right some injustice, feed the hungry and advocate for the homeless. Jesus clarifies this aspect of fasting as He challenges the disciples of John as they want to know why they and the Pharisees follow the rule of fasting, but His disciples do not in today's Gospel. Those who are in the circle of God and all those who are in tune with God’s ways do not need fasting. They enjoy the freedom of doing what God wants of them and are committed to it. However, those who feel the loss of self and loss of God need fasting. Sin takes us from the present of Christ to a loss of self and God thus making mortification essential. Spiritual fasting clearly involves a conversion, turning away from sin and turning towards God and at the same it becomes a means of deepening our faith and commitment to Him. May the Lord be gracious to us and may our penance in tune us to do the will of God! Amen!! Good morning and have a gracious day!!!