Today, on the third day of our Lenten journey, the readings introduce us to the themes of fasting and loving our enemies.
Fasting—and by this we mean, first and foremost, bodily fasting, which was very common in the Church in times past—is a very good and beneficial practice for our spiritual life in following Christ. Without a doubt, it is a sacrifice pleasing to God if it is accompanied by the struggle for holiness in general. The reading from the Book of Isaiah points out the frequent abuses that displeased God in the fasting practiced by His people. It is easy to understand that this practice can only be pleasing in His eyes when it is done with a sincere heart.