The Lord wants His people to learn that external religious practice, no matter how impressive, without inner sincerity, is only hypocrisy and can never be pleasing to Him. It is disposition and intentions of the heart alone that give meaning and value to all behaviour, including fasting. True penance, as described by Isaiah, brings about freedom for oneself and for the neighbour.

So the prayer of the psalm asks for the grace to be truly humble, recognising before God, who knows the heart, the sinfulness that is ours. By accepting this we are more open to God's forgiveness.

Jesus is the bridegroom in a new covenental relationship with the heart. His presence recreates and restores in love. There are areas of our lives that need healing and renewal. We need to make these areas open and attentive to His influence so that we may be given a new and joyful wholeness.