“THEN THEY WILL FAST.” – MATTHEW 9:15
A man decides to give up coffee for a month. He posts about it online, feels disciplined, and enjoys the praise. But he still ignores his elderly neighbour’s calls, walks past the homeless man without meeting his eyes, and holds tightly to every penny. His caffeine withdrawal is real. His heart withdrawal is not.
Like the man who gave up coffee but not selfishness, the disciples of John wondered why Jesus’ followers weren’t fasting. Jesus answers with a wedding picture: you don’t fast at a feast. But the Bridegroom will be taken, and then—then they will fast. Real fasting is not a religious duty but an honest longing. Isaiah exposes the same error: fasting while quarrelling, fasting while ignoring the needy (Isaiah 58:3–4). God prefers loosened chains, shared bread, and opened doors. Today, consider what you are giving up—and why. Are you performing or truly yearning? Skip a meal, but feed someone. Set down your phone, but pick up a conversation. Let your emptiness create room for God. He is the one you are waiting for. Fast toward Him, not toward yourself.
Today’s devotional-20, February 2026 ~ www.dailyfaithechoes.org
A Journey of Reflection and Action
Set aside intentional time today to reflect prayerfully on your motives for fasting, journal honestly before God, meditate on Isaiah 58, and practise one hidden act of generosity that shifts your focus from performance to love.
Join Us in Prayer
Lord Jesus, purify our fasting and our hearts, teach us to hunger for You above all else, and let our sacrifice open our lives to compassion, generosity, and deeper communion with You. Amen.
✨ Support Our Ministry
✨ Support Our Ministry
If this daily reflection has touched your heart and strengthened your faith, please consider supporting our ministry with a donation—your generosity helps us continue sharing the Gospel’s hope through these devotionals, reaching souls hungry for God’s Word, and helps pay our dedicated staff who work tirelessly to bring these messages to you each day.
For Supporters in Nigeria:
Account Number: 8817379036
Account Name: Daily Faith Echoes FLW
Bank: Sterling BANK
For International Supporters:
Please use the Donate button
Thank you for partnering with us in echoing faith daily!
The Scripture is adapted from the Catholic Daily Readings of the day.
First Reading: Isaiah 58:1–9a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3–4, 5–6ab, 18–19
Second Reading: —
Alleluia: Amos 5:14
Gospel: Matthew 9:14–15
Leave a Reply