"Support us, O Lord, with your gracious favor through the fast we have begun; that as we observe it by bodily self-denial, so we may fulfill it with inner sincerity of heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 51:1-10, Isaiah 58:1-9a, and Matthew 9:10-17
Today's reading from the prophet Isaiah asks a couple of questions. The first one comes from the Israelites when they ask, "Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?" And the second is God's response to them: "Do you think that's the kind of fast I expect? No, the fast I expect is to see you feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, and not to shelter yourself from your own kin."
How easy is it to get caught up in the idea of doing something for recognition and accolades? I find that I sometimes want a pat on the back for something as simple as emptying the dishwasher as if emptying the dishwasher isn't something I should do just because it needs to be done. I'm afraid I can be just as bad as the Israelites here in wanting praise for my work. This is true for other parts of life, too, right? When we feel like we are responsible for something good, it's common to want to be recognized for it. If we think like this, are we doing these acts for ourself and our own glory, or are we doing them with a selfless spirit and to help others?
Again, the collect for today helps us get a handle on the purpose of a fast or a new discipline. We're reminded again that it's with the grace of God that we can do such things and that we take on these challenges as a way to make room for God in our hearts. If we can allow the hole that's left to be filled with God, we might be on our way to giving God the kind of fast expected of us instead of the kind of fast we are tempted to give.
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