“Why do we fast, but you do not see it? afflict ourselves, but you take no note?” (Isaiah 58: 3).
The people queried God and He answered them thus:
"See, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits, and drive all your laborers.
See, you fast only to quarrel and fight and to strike with a wicked fist!" (Isaiah 58: 3 - 4).
The Lord knows everything, all things. Nothing is hidden from Him. (See Psalm 139: 1 - 18). In short, on their fast days, they follow their own will and don't care for what God wants at all.
Now the Lord states the type of fast He approves:
"Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking off every yoke?
Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house;
Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own flesh?" (Isaiah 58: 6 - 7).
Note that the Lord says: "Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose."
This is the type of fast that brings transformation of life and huge blessings especially during the Season of Lent. You start from God. "Father, what would You have me do in Lent 2018?" Your Lenten resolution is not written on concrete. It is like an open book which you update constantly.
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