Daily Readings - Fri Mar 04 2022
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 are invited to reflect on the true meaning of fasting and spirituality. The first reading from Isaiah challenges us to look beyond mere outward acts of fasting and instead focus on living a life of justice, compassion, and mercy. Isaiah critiques those who fast superficially, seeking only to fulfill a ritual without addressing the deeper needs of their souls or the injustices around them. He calls us to break the chains of oppression, to feed the hungry, and to clothe the naked, promising that such acts of love will bring us closer to God and restore our spiritual vitality.
In the Gospel, Jesus responds to the question about fasting by comparing himself to a groom at a wedding. While the groom is present, the time is for joy and celebration, not for mourning or fasting. Jesus is emphasizing that his presence among us is a time of grace and joy, and our focus should be on living in the light of his love rather than on strict observances. However, he also hints that there will come a time when fasting will be appropriate, when he is no longer physically with us.
These readings remind us that our spiritual practices, including fasting, must be rooted in love and a genuine relationship with God. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it is about abstaining from sin and injustice. It is about creating space in our hearts to hear God’s voice and to serve others. As we go about our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Are our spiritual practices leading us to greater love and service? Are we using our time and resources to uplift those in need? Let us remember that true fasting is not just about what we give up, but about what we give—our time, our hearts, and our lives—to God and to others. May we strive to live in the joy of God’s presence while also embracing the call to justice and compassion.