What does “bound” mean in today’s reading and fasting question please?

[MarthaSo]

Hi everybody,

I’m want my “light to break forth like the dawn” and today’s reading says “Do you know someone bound, oppressed, hungry, homeless or naked” and if I help or reach out to them the Lord will hear me.

I don’t know anyone in particular like that except homeless shelters and soup kitchens…but unfortunately with the baby and no help and full time work I can’t volunteer.

In my desperation to get closer to God to heal me emotionally, mentally and spiritually Im racking my brain to see who I know that’s bound. What I can do to have His joy and peace.

Yesterday a coworker tried to start a rumor about me, she goes out of her way to ask if anyone wants breakfast and excludes me, regarding the rumor I went to her and told her she was wrong. I can’t stand her, is she the bound one. I have no idea. i saw her at Mass getting ashes on Ash Wednesday. I do pray for her. And then there’s not turning my back on my own, we don’t talk to my mother in law anymore because she hurt us in the past. Do i need to mend that. I will have to pray on this i guess.

Today, I need to lose 30 pounds, every time i want to fast for God I don’t because I don’t trust I’m doing it for God and not to lose weight. I dont want to do anything not pleasing to Him so i just don’t fast. I would love insight on that as I really have a desire to lose weight and this strong desire may pop up while fasting more than the spiritual reason for fasting which is what i fear. How do I manage that please.

Thank you everybody I hope you are having a really blessed Lent.

 

[aroosi]

Take a deep breath. Also from your previous posts it looks like a lot is going on in your life right now. Start taking small steps toward God and toward the neighbors. If you are still breastfeeding you may be exempt from fasting but you can still offer up small mortification (for example don’t have a second serving of something you like or drink water instead of soda). Same thing with others. You don’t need to sign up for a soup kitchen but, for example, when you need to stop by for groceries or when you clean up the mess of your little one, you could offer it up for somebody. My child never slept much as a baby, I was always getting mad until somebody suggested me to offer it up for parents that are in the hospital with their children. If it is hard to pray start small too, instead of committing to many devotions just make sure to find time for a short prayer every day or to 5 min in a church near your work/home. Be at peace and may you feel in this Lent God’s love and healing.

 

[Sursumcorda1]

unfortunately with the baby and no help and full time work

I believe that this is the root of all of the other listed problems. You are tired and overworked, and your coworkers are feeling it.

 

[MarthaSo]

My coworker is in a different area, my work is separate from hers . But yes i am tired and overworked.
Thank you.