delight in right sacrifices

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Isaiah 58:1-9 Psalm 51:3-6, 18-19 Matthew 9:14-15

Psalm 51:19 then wilt thou delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on thy altar.

We often think about sacrifice and fasting as painful and hard discipline that we must do to earn God's favor. I think what today's scriptures are telling us is that if we truly seek to keep God's ordinances, that is to loose the thongs of the yoke and to do righteousness and justice, we will be in a place where we can offer sacrifice and fasting with joy and peace. We will have a better understanding of what God wants from us and it will be with heartfelt thanksgiving that we offer our sacrifices. We will understand then that giving lip service doesn't convert our hearts to God, but only true participation will bring true conversion.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to open my heart to the oppressed and the suffering. Help me to look beyond the ceremonial to the truly relational.

Amen