The Entrance Antiphon in Latin sets us into a period of quiet gratitude: "Audivit Dominus, et misertus est mihi, Dominus factus est adiutor meus". (The Lord heard and had mercy on me; the Lord became my helper).

Prophet Isaiah asks us to step back and review our lives and the motivation for our devotion to the Lord. Is it more in fasting, almsgiving and penance? Note that the true fasting that God desires is acts of justice and compassion - freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, and caring for the needy. The Lord has heard these persons of integrity. They will receive mercy, for the Lord is their helper.

The Psalmist speaks volumes of these persons of integrity. They know that mere burnt offerings and sacrifice will not suffice if there is no humbled and contrite heart.

Jesus reminds us to recognize His continuing presence among us, and that fasting and mourning are inappropriate when one rejoices in the presence of another. We do not take for granted such a presence. In so far as He is among us, in the poor, in the oppressed, in the prisons, in the homeless and refugees, we ought to attend to Him through these persons, joyfully. True fasting anticipates Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection. It calls us to be ready for the trials and adversities we will face, and to find our strength and solace in our Lord, our Helper.