Fasting and Justice

During Lent, we often focus on our inward sin and asking Jesus to restore our sick souls. This is good, but is it enough if it does not impact how we treat others? Today we learn how the Lenten themes of fasting and alms-giving are knit together.

From an Africa Study Bible proverbs and stories note:

Isaiah rebuked people who fasted to impress others with their godliness. At the same time, the people who fasted to make a good impression neglected practical acts of mercy to people in their private lives. They failed to share their bread with the hungry, accommodate the homeless, clothe the naked, and provide for needy relatives (Isaiah 58:7). 

A Haya proverb from Tanzania says, Enju tufunda, ekifunda eba mitima, meaning, “The house is never too small as long as there is enough space in the heart [of the host].” This proverb asserts that hospitable people will always find a way to make room for someone who needs a roof over their head. 

We have many excuses for not inviting people into our homes or sharing our food and clothing. Often the real problem is not scarcity but that our hearts are unwilling to meet the needs of the people around us. We are often selfish and self-centred.

Jesus taught that acts of kindness done for people who are naked or hungry are acts we do for him (Matthew 25:34-40). We should love God with all our hearts, strength, minds, and souls—by caring for people wholeheartedly. If our hearts are not big enough to supply the needs of those whom Jesus cares about, why would God pay attention to our needs just because we fast? Let us not be like the people Isaiah rebuked. Instead, let us seek to share our resources with people in need.

Today: 

If you are fasting from food, donate the cost of those meals to a needy person in your community. If you are fasting from something else (social media, shopping, travel etc.) creatively seek a way to donate a gift of time or another resource to an organisation that cares for the poor, sick, elderly, refugees, or any other such organisation in your neighbourhood.