Don’t Just Give Up - DO!

“This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed…” (Isaiah 58: 5-8)

Notice that fasting is not about GIVING UP chocolate or Facebook, but rather DOING something like serving those in need, especially the oppressed and those unusually affected by challenges.

A couple of years ago, the Holy Father, Pope Francis offered this. If you’re going to give up something, give up the problem areas of life and replace them with opportunities to grow!

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Fast from words be silent and listen.