Reading
Is this not what I require of you as a fast: to loose the fetters of injustice, to untie the knots of the yoke, to snap every yoke and set free those who have been crushed? Is it not sharing your food with the hungry, taking the homeless poor into your house, clothing the naked when you meet them and never evading a duty to your kinsfolk? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn and soon you will grow healthy like a wound newly healed: your own righteousness shall be your vanguard and the glory of the Lord your rearguard. Isaiah Ch 58 vv6-8
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Reflection
The whole of chapter 58 is concerned with the right approach to fasting. Lent is not just a time for self-denial when it comes to food; it is a time for re-setting our approach to the world around us. We don’t have to look very far to see injustice – the difficulties faced by those in high-rise flats are in the public eye at the moment but there are plenty of other injustices around. Isaiah also reminds us to look out for issues closer to home with the instruction not to evade familial duties. Let us pray that our eyes and ears are open to circumstances around us, especially those that we can do something about, and let us not hesitate to put aside our own inconvenience where we perceive a need.
Spiritual Exercise
Your to-do for today: Listen to the news looking out for cases of injustice and oppression. There are many organisations that campaign against injustice. Maybe there is something you can do – pray, contribute, sign a petition, write a letter?
Music
Have a listen to these great songs as you think about today’s reflection:
An Anthem: Hide not thou thy face from us O Lord
An acoustic song from a classic album : Isaiah 58 · John Michael & Terry Talbot No Longer Strangers
Digging Deeper
Want to spend a little time digging into this series?
Church of England Daily Prayer.
Church of England Lent: LiveLent: God’s Story, Our Story
Link to St Andrews online Services.
