Scripture Passage for the Day

Fasting like yours to-day
will never bear your prayers
on high.
Would I choose such a fast,
such penances?

To droop your head like a bulrush,
to lie in sackcloth and ashes --
is that what you call 'fasting'
a day the Eternal would
approve?

Is not this my chosen fast,
the Lord, the Eternal, asks,
to loosen all that fetters men
unfairly,
and to relax its grip,

to free poor debtors from their
bonds,
and break what binds them?
It is to share your food with
hungry men,
and take the homeless to your
home,
to clothe the naked when you
see them,
and never turn from any
fellow-creature.
Then shall light dawn for you,
with healing for your wounds;

you shall advance, your goodness
in the van,
and the Eternal's glory as
your rear-guard;
the Eternal will answer when
you call,
and, when you cry, he will say,
'Here am I!'

Is 58:4b-9a Moffatt Translation