Daily Readings - Fri Feb 16 2018
Isaiah
1"Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the house of Jacob their sins.2For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them.3'Why have we fasted,' they say, 'and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?'"Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.4Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.5Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?6"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?7Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?8Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.9Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the essence of true fasting and spirituality. Isaiah challenges the Israelites to look beyond mere rituals, emphasizing that genuine fasting involves caring for the hungry, the naked, and the oppressed. Jesus, in Matthew, explains that his presence is a time for joy, making fasting inappropriate, though he acknowledges it will have its time. Together, these passages highlight that spiritual practices should be heartfelt and lead to acts of love and service.
The context of Isaiah's message is a time when outward religious acts were prioritized over ethical living. Similarly, Jesus addresses a question about fasting practices, distinguishing his disciples' behavior and emphasizing the joy of his presence. Both readings stress that true spirituality is about more than rituals; it's about living justly and compassionately.
Applying this to our lives, we're reminded to ensure our spiritual practices are genuine. We should focus on helping others and living with integrity, rather than just going through the motions. The moral lesson is clear: true fasting and spirituality involve a commitment to serving others and living justly, reflecting the joy and presence of Christ in our lives.