We look around our suffering, violent, and troubled world and feel overwhelmed. We withdraw, sheltering our own pain, turning our eyes from the pain of others. We pray. But prayer is only the beginning. God definitely requires that we act in the world. Prayer can help us discern how, but not if.
“This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
Breaking every yoke;
Sharing your bread with the hungry,
Sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
And not turning your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
And your wound shall quickly be healed.” (Isaiah 58: 6-8)
Readings for Feb. 12, 2016, Friday after Ash Wednesday
Reading 1 — Isaiah 58:1-9A
Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6AB, 18-19
Verse Before The Gospel — Amos 5:14
Gospel — Matthew 9:14-15
To see today’s readings, click here for USCCB Daily Readings …