Daily Reflection Friday after Ash Wednesday

Isaiah 58 is truly one of the greatest chapters of that great book of prophecy, but even more, it is one of the greatest chapters in the entire bible and also stands right up there with anything else ever written, in my opinion. It is a clarion call for the truth that must undergird everything, even religion, if it can ever hope to endure. It follows chapter 57 that began in a stern voice but concluded by saying, “I will not always be angry lest the spirits I have made grow faint before me,” and promising peace and healing. Chapter 59 that follows concludes with the promise of the triumph of the spirit (“My spirit shall not depart out of your mouth.”) that cries out in chapter 60, “Arise, shine; for your light has come!”

It is all based on what we may call Isaiah 58’s call to “true religion.” It answers the question, “Is this the manner of fasting [or religious practice] I desire?” And it answers that question with what true fasting, true religion involves, “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.”

It is also yet another answer to the lawyer’s question to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” for there are many answers to that question in addition to the Lord’s in Luke 10. This Lent, let us ask ourselves in what ways we can at least share in these acts of “true religion.” It is to be very aware of those in need all around us. We may not be able to meet all those needs, but we can do something, even if it is just a smile, just a nod of hello and recognition. “If you give but a cup of cold water to one of these little ones, truly you shall not want for a reward,” There is no gift that is too small, too trivial. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. It doesn’t have to be a big step. Every step has meaning and flows from the step previously and leads to the next step. Every step is essential no matter how tiny. Let us pray that we keep (or begin!) stepping just one little step at a time, praying that each step will continue to grow in strength and clarity as we continue to take them.