I.
This week’s focus passage begins with a redefinition of what kind of fast is acceptable to God.

As you begin your time with these words, take note of what the people are called to eliminate from their lives.

II.
Isaiah 58:6-10 (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)

Is not this the fast that I choose:
       to loose the bonds of injustice,
       to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
       and to break every yoke?
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?
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.
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
       you shall cry for help, and he will say, “Here I am.”

If you remove the yoke from among you,
       the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
if you offer your food to the hungry
       and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
       and your gloom be like the noonday.

III.
Now that you have paid attention to what the fast will be, let’s read this again and this time take note of what the people are to do, that is what actions the people of God are called to practice.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}