Where's Your Heart?

The Marian Fathers present this Lenten devotional series to help you prepare to receive graces on Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.

Readings: Is 58:1-9A; Ps 51:3-4, 5-6AB, 18-19; Mt 9:14-15
Diary: 724, 904, 1023

Lo, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits. - Is 58:3

Fasting is a good discipline any time of the year. The Church draws particular attention to it in Lent, along with almsgiving and prayer.

Today, on our first fast on a Friday in Lent, the readings echo the message from Ash Wednesday: Our interior motivation determines our actions' value.

One Lent, St. Faustina gained insight into the importance of pure intentions. She had asked her confessor if she could offer a fast, but her health was frail.

I was told not to cut down on my food but, while eating, to meditate on how the Lord Jesus, on the Cross, accepted vinegar and gall. This would be my mortification. I did not know that this would be so beneficial to my soul. The benefit is that I am meditating constantly on His sorrowful Passion and so, while I am eating, I am not preoccupied with what I am eating, but am reflecting on my Lord's death (Diary, 618).

She obeyed out of love of the Lord. Her pure intention made the sacrifice pleasing to the Lord. Whether you are able to offer a Friday fast or must offer something else, ask yourself: Is my heart's desire to please the Lord?

Prayer: Dear Lord, in all that I do, may my intention always be to please You.

Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.