16 February 2024

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?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover them,
and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

From Isaiah 58:1-9, NRSV

The prophet Isaiah calls into question the sincerity of the people of the “House of Jacob”. He points out that their so called acts of repentance are done only for the sake of outward appearances. Their actions mean nothing because they have continued to treat their fellow Israelites unfairly and have not taken care of the needs of the poor and weak. The people have complained that God has not seen their fasting but Isaiah tells them their fasting is of no worth unless it also brings about a change in their attitudes and behaviour. Isaiah then goes on to explain the sort of fasting that would be pleasing to the Lord, making clear the actions that show true repentance.

• • How do you suppose that the people of the “House of David” felt about Isaiah’s message?
  • What sort of “fasting” do you think would be pleasing to the Lord today?

Read Isaiah’s words slowly and prayerfully and consider what might be your response.