Daily Readings - Fri Feb 24 2023
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 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.