“This, rather, is the fasting that I wish.” – Isaiah 58:6
I have personally found fasting a truly effective way of spiritual discipline. In fact, it is also a very practical way to detoxify the body.
Yet, I discovered long before that real fasting should lead you to love and serve more. I believe that fasting is depriving yourself so that others may gain more. Otherwise, you may simply be going on a cleansing diet.
Read how the verse above continues:
“… releasing those bound unjustly…
Setting free the oppressed….
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?”
At the start of this Season of Lent, complete your “negative action” of denying yourself with “positive acts” of charity, mercy and love for others, especially those who are truly deprived.
~Alvin Barcelona (apb_ayo@yahoo.com)
Reflection: Are others gaining from your denying of yourself? Love and serve someone today.
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