I wasn’t planning to do any writing tonight. It has been a cold and windy Sunday, and I spent a lot of time walking in a nearby park and watching the eagles that were in the trees and down on the icy river. After dinner, I was just settling in to watch some football and play word games online when my cable shut down and took the phone and computer with it.
After giving it some time to come back (which it didn’t do until early morning) I decided to read. I had wanted to take another look at the Sunday readings, and I suddenly had lots of time to do it undistracted. The Old Testament reading came from Isaiah 58:7-10, but I thought it had a very New Testament ring to it. In fact, it had a Lent-is-just-around-the-corner ring to it. Isaiah 58 is subtitled “True Fasting,” a very Lent-worthy title, don’t you think?
Trying to put my thoughts on paper, and checking Scripture verses without the use of my computer, is difficult and messy. So, I gave up and went to bed. This morning, everything is working, and I can finally share with you the very Lent-oriented Isaiah 58 (from the Good News translation). In these 6 verses you will find many of the recurring themes of Lent: fasting, sacrifice, service to others, alms giving, and prayer. And you will also find God’s response to a life lived in a spirit of Lenten fasting.
The Lord says:
“The kind of fasting I want is this: Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free. Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives. (Vs 6,7)
“Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. I will always be with you to save you; my presence will protect you on every side. When you pray, I will answer you. When you call to me, I will respond. (Vs 8,9a)
“If you put an end to oppression, to every gesture of contempt, and to every evil word; if you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon. And I will always guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well. (Vs 9b,10,11)
There is a wonderful, up-beat, old-fashioned hymn that came to mind as I read the words, “the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon.” It is called “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations,” and this is the refrain:
For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the dawning to noonday bright,
and Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
the kingdom of love and light.
Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1326W1zNQeY
As usual, Irene , a reflection that touched my heart. A reminder of our Lenten commitments and what it truly means to fast. Moreover, His promise of “ darkness, turning to dawniing, and the dining turning into noonday bright” is quite a reward to treasure.
Thank you .
Enjoyed reading your reflection while trying to keep warm in the Villages, Florida.