​The Fasting that He Wishes

For the first time in a while, I signed up to read at Mass tomorrow.  I decided to start preparing and praying with the reading today in case the morning gets wild.  When I did so, I noticed that the first reading is a bit on the longer side, but it didn’t look difficult. 
 
This reading from Isaiah 58 touched on the themes of fasting and acts of charity.
 
I don’t know about you, but as I begin this Lenten season, the thought of what outward, physical penances I should undertake has come to mind for me. 
 
I don’t think this is wrong.  I think we are invited, even called, to do penance and discipline ourselves.  However, in Friday’s first reading, Isaiah reminds us of another important part of living out our spiritual life:
 
“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.”
 
Reading over this passage was a reminder to me to be on the lookout for a brother or sister in need and to be ready and eager to lend a helping hand. 
 
This “need” can manifest itself in so many ways.  Although I may not find any yoke thongs to untie or meet someone in need of clothing, each day holds occasions, if I am aware, for me to serve our Lord in His people. 
 
This Lent, perhaps I need to slow down a little bit so that I can notice the opportunities for “the fasting that [He] wish[es].”  

Perhaps a large part of my call this Lent is to foster this awareness and act upon it.