Lenten Fasting Ideas from the Prophet Isaiah

by Melissa Borgmann-Kiemde, Visitation Companion

What is the path for an immigrant in this country?

What is the path for an immigrant in this country?

Ideas for Friday fasting during this Lenten season? Ready, go!

Giving up something during these forty days and nights, as a means to align ourselves, prayerfully, with Christ, is pretty standard Lenten protocol. Today’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah, however,  inspires me to consider taking on something. Maybe I tune into our democratic system a bit more? Perhaps I follow a particular court case? Or track the immigration process for one person in my community? Do I know anyone in prison that I could write to or visit? What addict in my family  needs forgiving?  (Is it me?) What forms of oppression might I more compassionately work to understand? Maybe just visiting a local food shelf, this Lent, or volunteering to serve a meal at a homeless shelter is what I could try?

What ideas does Isaiah inspire you to consider this Lent?

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,

-Isaiah 58: 6-9A

I know: this kind of justice-driven “fasting” isn’t a new idea, it’s simply refreshing for me to consider as I make my way through the first days of this season. I hope it speaks to you!