Scripture Passage for the Day

On such a day the fast you are keeping
is not one that will carry your voice to heaven.

Is this the kind of fast that I require,
a day of mortification such as this:
that a person should bow his head like a bulrush
and use sackcloth and ashes for a bed?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD?

Rather, is not this the fast I require
to loose the fetters of injustice,
to untie the knots of the yoke,
and set free those who are oppressed,
tearing off every yoke?

Is it not sharing your food with the hungry,
taking the homeless poor into your house,
clothing the naked when you meet them,
and never evading a duty to your kinsfolk?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and new skin will speedily grow over your wound;
your righteousness will be your vanguard
an the glory of the LORD your rearguard.

Then, when you call, the LORD will answer;
when your cry to him, he will say, 'Here I am.'


Is 58:4b-9a Revised English Version