Placing Our Trust in God
We must be careful not to practice a formal fast, or one which, in truth, “satisfies” us because it makes us feel good about ourselves. Fasting makes sense if it questions our security, and if it leads to some benefit for others, if it helps us to cultivate the style of the Good Samaritan, who bends down to his brother in need and takes care of him. Fasting involves choosing a sober lifestyle, a way of life that does not waste, a way of life that does not “throw away.” Fasting helps us to attune our hearts to the essential and to sharing. It is s sign of awareness and responsibility in the face of injustice, abuse, especially to the poor and the little ones, and it is a sign of the trust we place in God and in his Providence. Pope Francis – Homily March 5th 2014