World Day of Social Justice

Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me… to share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor?

ISAIAH 58:6-7

It is two days on from Ash Wednesday, and you may already have been asked what you are giving up for Lent this year. Fasting, alongside prayer and almsgiving is, of course, one of the traditional pillars of the season.

The prophet Isaiah challenges us to deepen our understanding of fasting. It is not only a private spiritual practice that God desires, but our commitment to combating injustice. Not just sacrifice, but solidarity. Our fasting is meant to move us to care for our neighbors—especially those who are hungry, displaced, or marginalized. 

Pope Leo XIV puts it this way: “The Lord does not want worship detached from life. He is not pleased with sacrifices and prayers, unless they lead to greater love for others and justice for our brothers and sisters.”

Today is World Day of Social Justice, where we remember the importance of addressing the causes of poverty and ensuring that all our sisters and brothers have what they need to flourish. Let’s pray that our Lenten fast may be pleasing to God and contribute to a better world for all people.

Grace and peace,

Anita Sorenson
Pastor for Spiritual Formation