Saturday 21 February 2026
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? (v. 6)
Background
The ideas of fasting and wearing sackcloth and ashes have already appeared in our readings this week (see Wednesday and Thursday's reflections). Today, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah challenges us to see fasting and repentance not as private spiritual practices, but as actions meant to bring justice into a broken world.
Isaiah speaks at a time of political and religious upheaval, economic uncertainty and declining spiritual life. He calls the people back to repentance, back to a way of living shaped by justice.
He accuses them of fasting only for their own benefit (v. 3) and asks, “Is this the kind of fast I choose, a day to humble oneself?” (v. 5) The answer is no. The fast God desires is one that loosens the bonds of injustice, breaks the yoke of oppression, frees the oppressed, shares bread with the hungry, shelters the homeless and clothes the naked (vs 6-7).
These words sound very much like Jesus. In Luke 4:18, Jesus quotes another passage from Isaiah announcing that he has come to set the oppressed free. And in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46), he says, “I was hungry and you gave me food; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; I was naked and you clothed me.”
Faith has never been only about a personal relationship with God. Through Isaiah, God calls us to a piety that leads to justice. Through Jesus, we learn that following him means liberating the oppressed, feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger and clothing the naked.
Another theme running through this week’s readings is the presence of God (see Sunday, Monday and Tuesday's readings). In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Jesus makes this astonishing claim: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.” (v. 40)
When we fast in the way God chooses, by breaking the yoke of injustice, sharing bread, opening our homes and clothing those in need, we discover that we are not simply serving others – we find ourselves standing in the very presence of God.
To Ponder:
- Where might God be inviting you to turn your spiritual practices into acts of justice, mercy or hospitality?
- Have you ever recognised Christ in a person you have offered help to, and if so how did it make you feel?
Prayer
God of compassion and truth, teach us to fast in the way you desire, not for our own sake, but for the healing of your world. Loosen the bonds of injustice through our hands. Open our hearts to share bread with the hungry, shelter those with no home and clothe those who are exposed and vulnerable. May we recognise your presence in the faces of those suffering injustice. As we seek to follow Christ, lead us into a life where worship becomes justice and love becomes action. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd David Hardman
David Hardman is currently serving as the Methodist Liaison Officer, Jerusalem for the Methodist Church in Britain. Ordained in 1994, he has served churches and circuits in the city centre and in the inner city and suburbs of Manchester and London. He has also worked for Christian Aid as Senior Regional Coordinator in the North West of England and most recently was the Methodist Team Leader of the Joint Public Issues Team. Justice and peace have been at the heart of David’s ministry; he is an accredited mediator with Place for Hope and a committed activist.