Here I Am

This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry,
sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. 

Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am! (Isaiah 58:1-9A)

It’s Lent, and we’re at our first Friday during this Lenten season.  We’re reminded to fast.  Today we are supposed to give up meat.   Sorry, but big deal.   What kind of sacrifice is that?   I’ll have fish and enjoy the meal.   A far better way to fast is suggested by Isaiah in today’s reading.

According to Isaiah his form of fasting makes our lights shine; it makes our wounds heal quickly.  The LORD watches our backs.  The LORD says, “Here I am!”

Perhaps it’s time we preached and practiced this form of fasting.  There’s quite a bit of mutual benefit to this fasting.  We say “Here I am” to the oppressed, the hungry, the homeless, and the naked.   We are vindicated.

Deacon David Pierce