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Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me… to share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor?
It is two days on from Ash Wednesday, and you may already have been asked what you are giving up for Lent this year. Fasting, alongside prayer and almsgiving is, of course, one of the traditional pillars of the season.
In today’s first reading, the prophet Isaiah challenges us to deepen our understanding of fasting. It is not only a private spiritual practice that God desires, but our commitment to combating injustice. Not just sacrifice, but solidarity. Our fasting is meant to move us to care for our neighbours—especially those who are hungry, displaced, or marginalised.
Pope Leo XIV puts it this way: “The Lord does not want worship detached from life. He is not pleased with sacrifices and prayers, unless they lead to greater love for others and justice for our brothers and sisters.”
Today is World Day of Social Justice, where we remember the importance of addressing the causes of poverty and ensuring that all our sisters and brothers have what they need to flourish. Let’s pray that our Lenten fast may be pleasing to God and contribute to a better world for all people.
Prayer
Generous God,
guide us to fast in the way that pleases you,
sharing our bread with hearts full of gratitude.
Amen.
Act
Find out about how we at CAFOD campaign for change. Get involved as we work together with our brothers and sisters around the world, to tackle climate change, defend human rights, cancel unjust debts and build a fairer food system.