Daily Readings - Fri Feb 24 2023
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 fasting and its deeper significance in our spiritual lives. The first reading from Isaiah 58 challenges us to look beyond mere ritualistic fasting, emphasizing that true fasting must be accompanied by acts of justice and compassion. Isaiah criticizes those who fast superficially, seeking only personal gain, and calls for a fasting that involves freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked. This reading reminds us that our spiritual practices should be deeply intertwined with our commitment to social justice.
In the Gospel, Matthew 9:14-15, Jesus addresses a question about fasting, explaining that His presence among His disciples is a time of joy, much like a wedding celebration. Jesus implies that fasting will have its appropriate time when He is no longer with them. This passage highlights the importance of understanding the context and purpose of fasting, emphasizing that it is not just about the act itself but about the heart's intention and the circumstances in which we find ourselves.
Together, these readings teach us that fasting, or any spiritual practice, should be more than just an outward ritual. It should be a reflection of our inner commitment to love and serve others. As we apply this to our daily lives, we are reminded that true spirituality involves both personal discipline and active love for those around us. Let us strive to fast not just from food but from indifference, and to feast on justice, compassion, and love. In doing so, we will embody the true spirit of fasting, as called for by Isaiah, and live in harmony with the teachings of Christ.