How can we practice fasting so that we are led by love?

The Church Fathers were saddened by those who fast by just replacing the types of food they eat, while still carrying within them the desire for food and practicing gluttony. Through fasting, we save the cost of expensive food so we can give this money to our needy brothers and sisters — the least of Christ’s brethren as He called them [see Matt. 25:40]. Through fasting, the believer’s heart and inner sight are opened to see the Lord of Glory in every person, especially in the needy and the suffering. For this reason, St. Augustine says that if one does not reserve some of his money during the fast to give to the poor, his fasting is without flavor. He also says, “Do you wish your prayer to fly toward God? … Make for it two wings: fasting and almsgiving.”