17 February 2024

If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
if you offer your food to the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
and your gloom be like the noonday.

From Isaiah 58:9-14, NRSV

In yesterday’s reading we heard Isaiah’s criticism of the Israelites for the insincerity of their outward observances of repentance whilst their poor and needy went without help. Today we hear a continuation of his message. This time, Isaiah’s message is more positive – if the people are true and genuine in their acts of fasting and repentance then God will reward them. In return for giving care to others and for honouring the Sabbath day, the people will be greatly blessed. Their generosity will be as nothing compared to that which God will show towards them

• • Was it important for the Israelites to know that God would bless them for their acts of generosity and fidelity?
  • What difference does it make to know that God can never be outdone in generosity?

Try to live today with an increased awareness of the needs of those around you – and be as generous as you can in responding to these needs.