Fasting 101

We all know what fasting is, especially in today's context, where it's touted as a healthy lifestyle and great weight loss tool. But as a disciple of Christ, fasting has to have wider ramifications. We have to go beyond ourselves and make concrete changes in the world. Isiaih, chapter 58 says it best;

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;

Your vindication shall go before you,

and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,

you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!