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“Cry loudly,” says the Lord to St. to the prophet Isaiah, “do not refrain from reproaching the iniquities of My people” (Is. 58:1). What did they do? “They seek Me...they desire to draw closer to God” (Is.58:2). But is there any sin in this? After all, this is what they should do. Yes, they should, but the fact is that they don't do it the way they should. They hope to succeed in their quest with one fast, not caring about matters of truth and love. And fasting is pleasing to Me, says the Lord, but one in which, by humbling one’s body, one forgives insults, leaves debts, feeds the hungry, brings the bloodless into the house, clothes the naked. When all this happens during fasting, then seeking Me and approaching Me will be successful; “Then your light will break forth like the dawn... and the glory of the Lord will follow you. Then you will call, and the Lord will hear; You will cry out, and He will say: Here am I!... And the Lord will always be your guide” (Is. 58: 8–9, 11). You might be interested in: