Isaiah 58:6-7 NIV [6] “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? [7] Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Perhaps these sound familiar? If so, you remember that Jesus said much the same in Matthew's Gospel, in his parable of the Last Judgment and the separation of the sheep and the goats. If anyone thinks that God's teachings concerning justice begin in the New Testament, this is just one of the passages from Isaiah that would disprove that. It's kind of interesting to me, but Lent and Advent seem to be the two seasons of the year that turn people's hearts to God. During Advent we see a spirit of generosity that extends to those who have less, particularly to children. Although it's easy to think that all the talk about Santa Claus, or whatever name is given to him in different traditions, people are more willing to serve in soup kitchens, or knit for the homeless, or donate toys to community organizations. Lent brings out another spirit, that of increased introspection that encourages us to see where we have failed and where we can do better. Churches often add services because they know that more people will make the time to attend them or that people are more willing to think about Jesus' sacrifice and look for ways of helping the less fortunate. How will you "fast" this Lent? You can give up time to help someone who might need a visit, or a phone call to let them know someone is thinking about them. Maybe, there's a community issue that can use your support. Maybe it's just taking more time to pray for peace in this world or for an end to violence in the home. Whatever you choose, whatever I choose, may all that we do be pleasing to God.