Daily Readings - Fri Mar 07 2025
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
The readings from Isaiah and Matthew offer profound insights into the nature of fasting and spiritual practice. Isaiah emphasizes that true fasting extends beyond mere abstinence from food, instead requiring a commitment to justice and compassion. He calls for actions that reflect a genuine connection to God, such as feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. This form of fasting leads to spiritual renewal and healing, as it aligns with God's desire for justice and mercy.
In Matthew, Jesus shifts the focus to the context of fasting. He compares his presence to that of a groom, indicating that his disciples should not fast while he is with them, as it is a time of joy and celebration. However, when he is taken away, fasting will become appropriate as an act of mourning and spiritual preparation. This highlights the importance of understanding the timing and spirit behind fasting, ensuring it is a heartfelt response rather than a mere ritual.
Together, these readings teach us that spiritual practices like fasting must be authentic and rooted in love and service. In our daily lives, we should examine our motivations and ensure our actions reflect a commitment to justice and compassion. Whether in times of celebration or fasting, our focus should remain on deepening our relationship with God and serving others, trusting in His presence and timing. The moral lesson is clear: our spiritual practices should be genuine, leading us to greater love and service, rather than being empty rituals.