From Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions (Jan/Feb/Mar 2026)

Friday After Ash Wednesday

Isaiah 58:1-9a + Psalm 51:3-6 + Matthew 9:14-15

Caring in Action

This, rather, is the fasting that I wish. Isaiah 58:6

Every Lent, I struggle to learn the same lesson. While I might worry about what spiritual discipline I should tackle, over and over in Scripture, the Lord makes it clear: when he talks about fasting, it is something more than simply passing on dessert. The same goes for almsgiving and call to prayer. What the Lord looks for today, as much as millennia ago, is something more radical: “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” (Isaiah 58:6-7)

The Church, in its social teaching, makes it clear that this applies on the micro and the macro level. We must share what we have, both individually and corporately. The Gospels are full of references to caring for this in need, and Lent is a time to make this a Gospel priority in our own lives.

Jesus, when you are hungry, I pray that I will give you food.

□ Greg Erlandson