Daily Readings - Fri Feb 16 2018
Isaiah
1Cry out! Cease not! Exalt your voice like a trumpet, and announce to my people their wicked acts, and to the house of Jacob their sins2For they also seek me, from day to day, and they are willing to know my ways, like a nation which has done justice and has not abandoned the judgment of their God. They petition me for judgments of justice. They are willing to draw near to God3"Why have we fasted, and you have not taken notice? Why have we humbled our souls, and you have not acknowledged it?" Behold, in the day of your fasting, your own will is found, and you petition for payment from all your debtors4Behold, you fast with strife and contention, and you strike with the fist impiously. Do not choose to fast as you have done even to this day. Then your outcry will be heard on high5Is this a fast such as I have chosen: for a man to afflict his soul for a day, to contort his head in a circle, and to spread sackcloth and ashes? Should you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the Lord6Is not this, instead, the kind of fast that I have chosen? Release the constraints of impiety; relieve the burdens that oppress; freely forgive those who are broken; and break apart every burden7Break your bread with the hungry, and lead the destitute and the homeless into your house. When you see someone naked, cover him, and do not despise your own flesh8Then your light will break forth like the morning, and your health will improve quickly, and your justice will go before your face, and the glory of the Lord will gather you up9Then you will call, and the Lord will heed; you will cry out, and he will say, "Here I am," if you take away the chains from your midst, and cease to point your finger and to speak what is not beneficial
Matthew
14Then the disciples of John drew near to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast frequently, but your disciples do not fast?15And Jesus said to them: "How can the sons of the groom mourn, while the groom is still with them? But the days will arrive when the groom will be taken away from them. And then they shall fast
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the essence of true fasting and spirituality. Isaiah challenges the Israelites to look beyond mere rituals, emphasizing that genuine fasting involves caring for the hungry, the naked, and the oppressed. Jesus, in Matthew, explains that his presence is a time for joy, making fasting inappropriate, though he acknowledges it will have its time. Together, these passages highlight that spiritual practices should be heartfelt and lead to acts of love and service.
The context of Isaiah's message is a time when outward religious acts were prioritized over ethical living. Similarly, Jesus addresses a question about fasting practices, distinguishing his disciples' behavior and emphasizing the joy of his presence. Both readings stress that true spirituality is about more than rituals; it's about living justly and compassionately.
Applying this to our lives, we're reminded to ensure our spiritual practices are genuine. We should focus on helping others and living with integrity, rather than just going through the motions. The moral lesson is clear: true fasting and spirituality involve a commitment to serving others and living justly, reflecting the joy and presence of Christ in our lives.