COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
A comparison of proper and improper fasting. The passage, written by Trito-Isaiah in the sixth century B.C., deals with the returned exiles in Jerusalem where conditions were deplorable. In those days fasting was used to express great sorrow or supplication. This encourages many fasts, but God seemingly did nothing! Why not? What kind of fasting is acceptable to God? One type of fasting produces no divine results: ceremonial fasting without regard for human suffering. Correct fasting is sharing one's bread and helping the poor. Then their light will shine and their prayers will be answered.

Old Testament: Habakkuk 3:1-6, 17-19
Though nature should fail to provide, a believer in God will still be joyful.

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-1…