Isaiah 58:6
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.
Today is the first Friday in Lent. It's the traditional time in the Catholic faith and other faith traditions where we are called to fast. Why do we fast? One of the many reasons is to focus on following Jesus. We are called to not only give up things for the faith, but to take on burdens facing others. Such is what we are called to in the reading from Isaiah today. The prophet is asking, in the previous verse, paraphrasing, "You call that a fast? This is a fast: shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, help the oppressed, clothe the naked. "
We all have burdens, some greater in our lives that what others endure. Many are held down by poverty, injustice, substance abuse, domestic violence, learning or physical disabilities. We are called to help those in all walks of life. Use this day, not only to give up a meal, but to buy someone a meal who needs it. Donate clothing to the local shelter. Volunteer time at a local charity. Donate money that you would have spent on a dinner on a normal Friday night to the ministry of your choosing. At the end of this chapter in Isaiah, we read of the payoff for your faithfulness, "Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer: you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!"
