The Fasting that Leads to Blessing

Fasting gets a lot of attention these days: for detox, weight loss, better brain function, etc. In Isaiah 58: 7-12, however, God asks His people for a kind of fast that actually transforms their hearts, lives and world and leads to blessing. He doesn’t ask them to afflict their bodies to prove willpower, instead, God calls for liberating the oppressed, sharing resources with the poor, giving welcome, and valuing relationships with family and community. In this way, their fasting actually becomes a blessing--for themselves as well as for others.

Fasting That's Transformative

God knows we can’t solve all the world’s problems, but our fasting can be transformative. For example, we could skip a to-go coffee and donate the money to charity, or fast from constant worry and instead surrender a problem to God. We could fast from speaking from anger, impatience, hate, envy or pride and in temptation, pause and ask God for the grace to love or let go in the situation. We could fast from our phones and instead schedule time to visit a lonely parent or friend and bring the blessing of companionship. While this takes effort, God reassures us it's worth it. Each fast is a step toward healing and holiness for ourselves and blessing the world around us in little but powerful ways.

God Delights in Blessing Us

God promises us that when we offer Him the fast he asks for, He will bless us; something He delights in doing. We need only to ask for the graces to start and persevere. God stands ready to support us and wants our success.

Heavenly Father, we long for a better world. Grant us the grace to fast not for ourselves, but in ways that bring life, justice, and love. May our hearts open, our eyes see, and our hands act so that our fasting leads to blessing.