A Fast That Pleases God: Lessons from Scripture

A Fast That Pleases God: Lessons from Scripture

The season of Lent revolves around two essential pillars.

Essential Movements in the Lenten Season

The first is a call to renounce evil—to turn away from sin and deny oneself. The second is an invitation to turn towards God, towards Jesus Christ, and towards our neighbor. These two movements—turning away from sin and turning towards love—are the very heart of Lent. Everything we do during this sacred time—our fasting, our abstinence, our acts of devotion—flows from these two foundational hinges: repentance and renewal.

Today’s Gospel and the first reading highlight an important aspect of our Lenten practice: fasting. But if our fasting doesn’t help us turn away from sin and draw closer to God, then it is meaningless.

In the first reading, we hear about the people of Israel who have just returned from exile. They are fasting, but life still feels difficult—they see no blessing, no fruit. They ask the Lord, “Why are we fasting if nothing is changing?” And God responds: Your fast is not the fast I desire. He reveals how their fasting lacks true substance. Through His words, He teaches them—and us—what a genuine fast should look like. Hear more within the Homily

Lent invites us to reflect more deeply on how God calls us to fast, and how true fasting is tied to love, justice, and mercy. As we listen to this homily and reflect in prayer, let us hear not only what God is saying about fasting, but also what the Church teaches about the corporal works of mercy—acts of compassion that bring our fasting to life.

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A Fast That Pleases God: Lessons from Scripture