Break unjust fetters

Ish 58:1-9, Mt. 9:14-15. Many people felt angry when Isaiah accused them of being rebels against God. They saw themselves as devout, zealous in religious practice, yet oppressed workmen, quarrel and strike the poor. In today's first reading, the prophet Isaiah points out that their religion was not to please God, but to please themselves. Jesus condemns such act in today's Gospel when the Pharisees asked the disciples why they did not fast just as they have done. Jesus answered them that they would fast when the time is right. They will not fast just because they wanted to be seen or to be praised for doing so, unlike the Pharisees who made a lot of fuss and brought attention to their activities and pious acts.

We can also fall into this syndrome, by putting questions of ritual, etiquette and procedure on a higher pedestal than they deserve, while leaving the substance of charity: loving service, to break unjust fetters, undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, to break every yoke, sharing ones bread with the hungry and shelter the homeless poor. We must have God at the centre of our every action and work. Without that genuine love and dedication that we should have for God, we will not be able to remain faithful to Him. During this season of Lent we are called to redirect our focus in life and our attention back towards the Lord, by means of mortification and abstinence.

May the Lord create within us a pure heart and a steadfast spirit! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!