"This, rather, is the fasting that I wish," (Is. 58:6).

Fasting is a very valuable and fruitful practice of spiritual life. It is through fasting that we master our desires and overcome our vices. It is fasting that also helps us to empty our hearts from earthly "rubbish" and pride in order to be totally open to God's voice.

However, anyone who has ever fasted even for a short time, knows how difficult this practice is. Many times temptations attack us more often when we fast. Fasting also shows us more clearly the whole truth about our weaknesses. It is a real spiritual battle against evil that is in us and around us.

In today's reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah God warns us against another danger of fasting. What is this danger? Fasting always brings harm to our spiritual life when we carry out our own pursuits that means when we see it as a way of self-perfection or self-justification.

The best way to avoid this danger is the way of charity. Fasting will bring wonderful spiritual fruit when I turn away from myself in order to do the work of mercy - releasing those bound unjustly, setting free the oppressed and not turning my back on my own.