We wonder why it seems like God doesn’t hear our cries. With Lent around the corner, I’m reminded of days of fasting and abstinence growing up in the Roman Catholic church. There was a sacrifice involved, but it was hard to not forget and accidentally eat meat on a Friday. It didn’t seem that fasting brought me any closer to God.

In Isaiah 58, we hear the prophet crying out as it seems that God isn’t listening. The prophet begs for God to acknowledge the people and points out that they are fasting, worshiping, and studying the word of God all the time. Why does God continue to ignore their pleas?

In verses 6-9, God responds and is clear. God doesn’t want our fasting or even our worship, what God wants is for us to “break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed and cancel debts” (MSG). God wants us to share our food with the hungry, find homes for the homeless, put clothes on the ill-clad and be available to our own families.

Fasting, worshiping and studying are not bad in themselves. But unless they result in actions to love our neighbor and help others to flourish, God will continue to ignore our pleas.

I’m still contemplating where I will focus this Lenten season with Ash Wednesday only a few weeks away on February 22. I may fast some, I’ll continue to worship and study the Word, but I also plan to spend time taking care of God’s creation. My inword contemplation has to lead to outward actions for God to take notice and “turn the lights on.” “Then when you pray, God will answer.”

Blessings, my friend
Agatha