Fasting That’s Lasting

“This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; 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

Philippine Daily Inquirer reports an inspiring story about a government employee going beyond what is expected. Below is an excerpt of the report:

In a statement, the DSWD said Nerio Salaveria was recognized as the agency’s “Best Technical Staff” in the sub-profession category for his work as a house-parent at the DSWD Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth in Western Mindanao. Salaveria, whose task was to instill discipline among children in conflict with the law who are living at the center, went “beyond the call of duty” when he also taught them practical skills such as haircutting as well as some agricultural work so that they could be self-sufficient when they are finally released from the center.

Based from Isaiah’s prophecy, this is the kind of fasting God desires. Going beyond what is required from us. Mr. Salaveria could have boxed his work in his job description, but he walked an extra mile. He gave the rehab residents skills….no he gave them life. It is okay to abstain from a single meal or from watching TV, or any other personal pleasure and stop just right there. But what will you do with the savings you got from skipping one meal. What will you do from the reduction of electricity bills from cutting your TV time? If you give up buying some personal pleasures for yourself, can’t you allot your budget for others? When fasting, share your life with others. Go beyond yourself. Walk the extra mile. Share the burden of others. Free others and you’ll get free. Have life by giving life. Don’t let your fasting expire. Do fasting that’s lasting.