# Novena for faithful citizenship: day three
*2008-10-14*

> Bill Young leads the third day of a novena focused on faithful citizenship, reflecting on the true nature of fasting and service to the community.

## The call to true fasting

In today's reading from Isaiah 58, we are confronted with a challenging question: Why do we fast, and why does God not seem to take note of it? The scripture reveals that the fasting God desires is not merely a ritual of abstaining from food, but a commitment to justice. True fasting means releasing those bound unjustly, unifying those under the yoke, setting free the oppressed, and breaking every chain.

## Healing the community

Faithful citizenship requires active compassion. We are called to share our bread with the hungry, shelter the homeless, and clothe the naked without turning our backs on them. When we commit to these actions, the scripture promises that our light shall break forth like the dawn and our wounds shall be quickly healed.

## Reflection and prayer

As we reflect on these words, we must ask ourselves: What actions do I perform to please God? Am I helping to heal the wounds of my community? We pray to the God of light for the freedom to walk in the footsteps of His Son, Jesus, and to let our light shine for all to see by assisting those who call for our help.

## Interceding for the world

In our novena prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we ask for protection against the menace of evil that takes root in modern hearts. We pray for deliverance from famine, nuclear war, and self-destruction. We seek liberation from sins against human life from its very beginning, from hatred, and from every kind of injustice in both national and international society. We ask the Mother of Christ to carry our cries and the sufferings of all humanity, that the saving power of redemption and merciful love may transform our consciousness and put a stop to evil.

*True faith and citizenship are expressed through acts of justice and mercy that heal the wounds of the community.*