Isaiah 58:1-9a; Matthew 5:13-20

Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins.

This passage in Isaiah begins with a comparison. It is a contrast between true and false worship. To be focused on rituals and performing them correctly, even perfectly, as opposed to worshipping God faithfully. These are not the same forms of worship. For one is to be worried about appearances. And the other is to be concerned with what matters. What matters in the world. And what matters to God.

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 

Fasting is to do without something. Not to eat or drink during an appointed time. But for what purpose? To what end? What is the goal?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

Why go without eating if not to share that food with those who have none? Why go without luxuries if not to help those without necessities? Why act to gain God’s favor in your life when God is asking us to assist others in their lives?

Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

This imagery is reflected in the Gospel reading. It is about light shared, not hidden away. Light lifted up high so others might be able to see.

No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven…