Day 3 - Feb 28

Karen Santiago

What the fast are we doing? ~ Isaiah 58:3-4

I don’t fast. The closest I have ever come to fasting is riding on the “intermittent fasting” diet fad bandwagon. I have broken fast with many a Muslim friend. I have fostered inclusive environments for loved ones who do fast. But no, not me. I don’t fast. I was the kid in high school whose doctor had to write a note requesting a change in lunch period from the end of the day to midday so my hypoglycemia (aka the hangries) wouldn’t kick in. I’m sure I’m physically capable of fasting. It’s just not a cultural or religious practice I was raised with. And, without that connection – or the proper intention associated with it – I have no impetus to begin.

To me, that’s what’s at the heart of this passage. INTENTION. What is the intention behind our actions? Whose purpose is it serving? It gets us to think about the hypocrisy of our behavior and the emptiness of our actions. In the passage from Isaiah, God essentially says, “great job, you fasted, but you were a selfish monster in all other parts of your life.” Ain’t that the truth. I know I will be the worst parent if I start parenting for kudos instead of for my kid’s wellbeing. The same can be said of my work. So, will I fast this Lenten season? No, I won’t. Instead, I will eat. I will eat with the intention of eating with someone I’ve never eaten with before. If that person is you, email me so we can eat together. And, if you happen to be fasting, we can make that work too.