Isaiah 58:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Similarly, abstaining from relationships without love is ultimately unproductive. Even if it is challenging and the act of fasting is significant, God does not desire such toil; rather, both actions please Him when they yield positive results. As someone once claimed, ‘I fast twice a week’ (Luke 18:12), yet they derived no benefit from it. Fasts are established to help us refrain from indulgence and prepare ourselves for acts of charity; if one neglects this, their efforts are rendered futile. He implores us to release the chains of injustice, aptly termed 'chains' because they are difficult to break and are rightfully described as a snare. Symmachus and Theodotion refer to it as a mystery. Do not assume this applies only to material wealth; there are other forms of wrongdoing present within us that we commit through our words and actions. Abolish deceitful and oppressive demands, liberate the oppressed, and dismantle all unjust records. Share your sustenance with the hungry, and welcome the homeless into your home; when you encounter someone without clothing, clothe them, and do not turn away from your fellow human. He not only instructs us to refrain from evil but also encourages us toward good deeds. And for the oppressed, He says to release them from their burdens. Do not pass judgment upon them that is just. Here, more emphasis is placed: previously He commanded the forgiveness of offenses, but here He advises against even enacting personal judgment. If someone possesses, you should justly seek it; yet if they do not, from where can they provide it? And you are to obliterate every unjust document: here He instructs not only to relinquish it, but also to completely destroy it. This is what Christ achieved: although the record was valid due to our transgressions, He obliterated it and affixed it to the cross. For retaining the document is to your detriment, not theirs; it is you who will suffer if you do not destroy it: in your current state, you will be judged by the same standards.

These coercive writings or contracts, born from deception and filled with cruelty, often pertain to trade agreements and other dealings related to gifts and earnings that yield shameful gains for those who engage in them. He speaks of freeing the oppressed, those who suffer from misfortune, distress, or unfair contracts. Release them from their current burdens, allowing the afflicted to finally breathe freely. Discard every unjust document; this likely refers to the writings of moneylenders, which are frequently created to retrieve specific amounts of money designated in loan agreements. He urges that abstaining from such practices should be accompanied by engaging in acts of kindness driven by love for one’s neighbor, since fulfilling the law is rooted in love. The expression of love for fellow believers and the mercy cherished by God is shown through sharing food with the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, and generously providing from the abundance bestowed by God to those in need. It is important to understand that merely refraining from evil deeds is not enough; to attain glory in God’s eyes, one must actively perform good works and be diligent in holy endeavors. The dissolution of burdensome agreements and unrighteous ties, along with the cancellation of unjust documents, signifies the eradication of vice. In contrast, the commitment to performing acts of kindness—sharing food with the hungry, offering shelter to the homeless, clothing the naked, and remaining humble—is a clear testament to virtuous living. Consequently, the ancient law under Christ’s guidance did not primarily lead the people of that time to perform good deeds, but rather encouraged them to turn away from vices. The commandments "You shall not murder," "You shall not commit adultery," and "You shall not bear false witness" share a common purpose. The comprehensive fulfillment of all good works has been entrusted to the teachings of Christ, from whom we have learned to express love towards God and our fellow humans.

After explaining the type of fasting He rejects, He illustrates the fasting that pleases Him. He commands that we release the ties of wrongdoing, specifically addressing unjust obligations that weigh down the poor, who suffer under the weight of debts often imposed by usurers. This practice has historically caused unrest, as seen among both Romans and Greeks, calling for the cancellation of debts in times of release. The prophet does not instruct that one should not claim what is rightfully theirs; rather, he focuses on dissolving the unjust obligations that chain the poor.

Further, fasting is not merely an act of humility through physical deprivation; it seeks reconciliation and the forgiveness of offenses, mirroring how our heavenly Father forgives our trespasses, as taught in Scripture. Ancient traditions reveal that every seven or fifty years, properties revert to their rightful owners, and enslaved individuals regain their freedom, rendering all obligations void. If such mercy was dictated by the law of old, how much more should it be emphasized in the Gospel, which magnifies all goodness? We are urged not to seek retribution eye for eye but instead to offer love when struck.

It is essential to understand the instruction regarding debtors as guidance for those in positions of privilege. We are called to free those burdened, to alleviate their struggles, dismantle their chains, and untie every unjust claim. The call extends beyond financial obligations; it beckons us to open our hearts and share with those in need. Should one claim to have no debtors, the instruction remains unwavering: share your meal with the hungry, offering what you can from your own provisions, that your action may serve as a blessing to both the giver and receiver.

If your resources are limited, seek to extend what minimizes personal loss. Make room for the needy, whether through your own means or accommodations you might afford. Clothe those in need, as Christ urges, offering one of your garments to those who lack. This act affirms not only your charity but your engagement through righteous deeds.

Scripture depicts the familiar bonds of kinship as vital: everyone shares a common humanity. We are encouraged to care for our own first, as the Apostle teaches; to do good to all, especially family in faith, for they, too, are our flesh and blood. It is this familial bond that Christ acknowledged when declaring, “This is My mother and My brethren,” emphasizing the elevation of those who fulfill God’s will.

To reinforce the unity of the old and new covenants, Christ emphasizes the hospitality shown to those in need as a reflection of our relationship with Him. On the day of judgment, He will honor acts of kindness as extensions of our devotion. Responding humbly, those who served others in need will be reminded that their kindness was, in fact, service to Him.

To uphold the allegorical understanding of fasting, one must not only refrain from wrongdoing but also actively engage in benevolent acts. By liberating those ensnared by the errors of false teachings and unjust burdens, we fulfill the call of the faithful. In doing so, we must dismantle the deceptive practices imposed by those who would mislead others, as the Psalmist warns against those who deceive the innocent.

By attending to the spiritual and material needs of others, let us emulate Christ, who provided sustenance to those seeking truth, ensuring that His love and teachings remain accessible. Offer refuge to those struggling in their faith, weaving them into the community of believers and providing the garments of spiritual restoration. In all actions, while your generosity must extend to all, ensure that you hold dear those of your own faith community, fostering a spirit of unity within the Body of Christ.

In summary, a faithful faster distances himself from all forms of evil.

It is evident, dear Christian, that genuine fasting is primarily spiritual. Physical fasting has its merits as it helps to subdue our passions; however, spiritual fasting is essential since bodily fasting bears little significance without it. Many engage in physical fasting but neglect to purify their souls. They may abstain from nourishment yet harbor corrupt thoughts, actions, and words—which is of no benefit. Some may forgo meals for several days but still carry hearts filled with anger, malice, and vengeance. Others might avoid wine, meat, or fish, yet they use their tongues to wound their neighbors, and what value does that hold? There are those that refrain from food but reach out to commit bribery, theft, or wrongdoing against others—which also holds no merit. True fasting, therefore, consists of refraining from all that is wicked.

If you desire your fasting to be truly fruitful, then practice both bodily and spiritual fasting continually. As you abstain from food, so too should you reign in unrighteous thoughts and carnal desires. Allow your mind to fast from vain considerations. Let your memory withdraw from nurturing resentments. Your will should fast from harmful desires, and let your eyes turn away from sinful sights: ‘Turn away your eyes, that you may not see vanity’ (See Psalm 118:37). Your ears must refrain from listening to harmful songs and gossip. Your tongue should avoid slander, judgment, blasphemy, untruths, flattery, profane speech, and all empty or vulgar words. Keep your hands from violence and theft. Avoid walking in paths of wickedness: ‘Turn away from evil and do good’ (Ps. 33:15; 1 Pet. 3:11).

This constitutes the fasting that God calls us to embrace. Repent, and engaging in the renunciation of every unrighteous word, deed, and thought, immerse yourself in all virtues, and you will perpetually fast in God’s eyes. ‘If you fast in disputes and contention, striking with the fist of wickedness, why do you fast before Me as you do now, in order that your voice may be heard? This is not the fast I have chosen, nor the day on which a man should humble his soul, bending down like a bulrush, spreading sackcloth and ashes under him. Such a fast should not be regarded as one that pleases Me,’ says the Lord. Instead, loose every unjust bond, eliminate all debts incurred by oppression, release the captives, tear up every document of wrongdoing. Share your bread with the hungry and welcome the homeless into your home; when you see someone in need of clothing, provide for them and do not distance yourself from your fellow man. Then your light will shine brightly at dawn, your healing will spring forth quickly, and your righteousness will lead the way, with the glory of the Lord enveloping you. You will call out, and the Lord will respond; you will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here am I!’ When you remove the yoke from among you, stop raising your hands in anger or speaking poorly, when you give of your resources to the hungry and minister to the afflicted—then your light will break forth in the darkness, and your gloom will be as bright as noon’ (Isaiah 58:4-10).

The Lord instructs the one who fasts to nullify unjust documents, specifically those promissory notes which have been extracted from the impoverished through coercion. Furthermore, He mandates that the one who fasts should liberate the oppressed, embodying the spirit of the jubilee year, wherein freedom is restored to those who have sold themselves into servitude and are subjected to harsh labor.

Additionally, the Lord calls upon those who fast to abolish every unfair writ, meaning they should invalidate all contracts that have been improperly made with the underprivileged, which were signed under conditions that are unjust to them and heavy upon their shoulders.