During this Lenten season the Lord is showing us what he expects from us as true fasting. We are not called to become followers of Christ on a shift basis but rather it is a lifetime commitment. There is no off-time or roster basis in becoming a follower of Christ nor is it an act to show the people around us for a period of time. What does it mean for us to fast this season? Did we pray and ask the Lord what he expects us to give up? Some of us may already know in our hearts certain things that we should be giving up this season but we may be avoiding this calling. But the Lord truly knocks on our hearts and reminds us, through the first reading, of a set of different ways we could bring joy to others and ourselves. Last year, during the Ash Wednesday liturgy, Pope Francis reminded us that fasting sets us free from the self-centered and obsessive quest of physical fitness to help us to keep our spirit in shape. It is not about a diet, but we should fast from anything that can create any kind of addiction in us.

Prayer: Abba Father, forgive me for avoiding your voice for my own benefits. Give me the strength to accept your words according to your will. Amen.