Daily Readings - Fri Feb 19 2021
Isaiah
1Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.2Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.3Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.4Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.5Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?6Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?7Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?8Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.9Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
Matthew
14Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?15And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the theme of fasting, but not merely as an act of abstinence. The First Reading from Isaiah 58.1-9a challenges us to consider the true nature of fasting. Isaiah criticizes those who fast superficially, focusing on outward appearances rather than inner transformation. He calls for a fast that involves freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked. This kind of fasting, Isaiah promises, will bring light and healing, as God will hear our cries.
The Gospel from Matthew 9.14-15 shifts our focus to the timing and spirit of fasting. Jesus, when questioned by John's disciples about His disciples' lack of fasting, responds by likening His presence to a groom at a wedding. While the groom is present, it is a time of joy, not mourning or fasting. Jesus implies that fasting will become appropriate when He is no longer with them, serving as a way to seek God in His absence.
These readings connect by emphasizing that fasting is a spiritual practice rooted in the right heart and timing. Isaiah teaches us that fasting must be accompanied by justice and compassion, while Jesus highlights that fasting is not about outward rituals but about seeking God with the right intentions. In our daily lives, we can apply this by incorporating moments of reflection and abstinence, not just from food, but from distractions, to focus on God and serve others. The moral lesson is clear: true fasting is living a life of love, justice, and compassion, as taught by both Isaiah and Jesus. Let us embrace this essence, allowing our actions to reflect our devotion and commitment to God.