Isaiah 58:6-9a…
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” vs.6
Since Lent is approaching quickly, some are likely beginning to consider fasting as a possible discipline for those days of reflection. And that would not be a bad choice! People of faith in every generation have chosen fasting as a mark of spiritual discipline, and its benefits are widely known. But the people of Israel had been using fasting as a pious cover-up while continuing to oppress the poor. Having called them on their hypocrisy, the prophet offers some suggestions for a fast that would actually be pleasing to the Lord. What he suggests might be considered a proactive fast, one that will mean freedom for the oppressed and release for those who live in bondage. He goes on to say that a proper fast will even mean feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and taking the homeless poor into our homes.
Admittedly this is a different picture of fasting than we might typically have in mind. The prophet’s point is that true spirituality is not so much about what we do for ourselves, but what we do for others, particularly the needy and the oppressed of our world. He continues by saying, “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly.” Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when he told us to let our light shine before others.
Thought for the Day: Why is it so hard to escape poverty?
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