Isaiah 58:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is evident that a demeanor of cruelty and lack of mercy contradicts this principle. God has wisely designed us to empathize with one another, as it is written, "Every animal loves his kind, and every man his neighbour" (Sir 13:19). You indulge yourself with plenty while another suffers from starvation; you wear exquisite garments while someone else is left exposed in shame. Why does God instruct you not to disregard your blood relatives? Because they too deserve to receive blessings from a generous Father. However, many foolishly resent this, pondering, “Why is he affluent while we lack resources? Why do the prosperous experience abundance while we endure hardship? Just as He made the sun shine equally for all, why is it not the case with material goods?” Yet, God has indeed made abundance available to some because He has called upon them to share with those in need. If wealth had not been intended for communal sharing, such a command would never have been given. If the essentials for life were not accessible to all, humanity would face ruin. Were everyone to possess wealth equally, the opportunity for virtue would be diminished; thus, blessings are not distributed uniformly to prevent the love of riches from corrupting all. If the sun had been reserved solely for a few rather than shared with all, many would dwell in darkness. But God granted wealth to the affluent as a means to alleviate the burdens of the impoverished.

The agreements that stem from deceit and are filled with malice, such as commercial contracts and other transactions involving so-called gifts and profits, reveal those who are driven by avarice. Let the oppressed go free, meaning those suffering from misfortune or unjust agreements. Free them from the bonds of their hardship; let the afflicted finally find relief. Cut up all unrighteous agreements; it seems He is referencing the contracts of moneylenders, often created to secure a specific monetary amount dictated by the terms of the loan. If you refrain from these practices, He adds, complement this with a lack of selfishness that embodies doing good works in love for your neighbor, because love fulfills the law (Romans 13:10), as written. Expressing love for our brethren and showing mercy, which is precious in God’s sight, involves feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, and generously supporting our kin with what God has bestowed upon us. Keep in mind that abstaining from evil is different from doing good. To attain glory in God’s eyes, mere avoidance of wrongdoing is insufficient; one must also engage in acts of love and commitment to righteous endeavors. Abolishing burdensome contracts and any form of unjust association, along with the destruction of unjust agreements, serves to eliminate vice, while the intention to perform good—such as feeding the hungry, welcoming the homeless, clothing those in need, and not elevating oneself above fellow citizens—is a clear reflection of virtuous conduct. Thus, the ancient law, becoming fulfilled in Christ, did not call for the people of that time to embrace goodness outright but first taught them to turn away from vice. The commands against murder, adultery, and perjury convey a similar principle; the teaching of Christ has fully illuminated the way for us to carry out deeds of love toward God and our neighbors.

Their clothes are mere tattered rags; their livelihood depends on the compassion of others; their meals are garnered from anyone who will share; their drinks, for the voiceless among them, are found in springs; their vessels are handfuls; their storehouses consist of whatever is not torn, capable of holding what little they possess; their table often becomes their knees pressed together; their bed is the earth itself; their place of cleansing, organized by God for all, becomes the river or the lake. Their existence is one of wandering and hardship; it wasn’t always so but has become a reality due to adversity and deprivation. Extend your hand, O one who fasts! Look after your sorrowful neighbors! What you withhold from yourself, give to the hungry. May the fear of God level the playing field. Through mindful abstinence, remedy two opposing needs: your own excess and your brother’s need. Physicians understand this well: they impoverish some, and nourish others, so that through the act of taking and giving, each may maintain their health. Heed this wise advice; let our words unlock the doors of abundance; may our guidance lead the needy to those who have. However, let not mere words suffice; may the eternal Word of God provide them with a home, a bed, and sustenance. Enrich your use of wealth with a loving word. There are others in need as well, including the ill and bedridden. Every individual should care for their neighbors directly. Do not delegate your neighbor’s service. Do not let another person claim the blessings offered to you. Hold the unfortunate close like precious treasure. Cherish those suffering misfortune as if they are your own well-being, as if they are the salvation of your family and your entire household. The destitute and sick endure a double burden. The healthy among the poor wander from door to door, navigating through those who are affluent, sitting at crossroads calling out to passersby. In stark contrast, those bound by illness and confined within cramped spaces, akin to Daniel in the lion’s den, await your compassion, God-fearing and poverty-stricken, akin to Habakkuk. Be a companion to the prophet through your generosity, providing swiftly and consistently to those in need. Offering kindness is never fruitless. Do not fear; the rewards of charity multiply abundantly. By giving generously, you will bless your own home. You may think, “But I am in need.” Even so, give. Share what you possess, for God does not ask beyond your means. One may provide bread, another a cup of wine, and another a garment, thus uniting efforts to alleviate the misfortune of one soul. Just as Moses received contributions for the tabernacle, not from a single servant of God but from all the people: one wealthy individual provided gold, another silver; the poor brought skins, and the poorest among them contributed wool (Ex. 25:28-30). Notice how even the widow’s small coin surpassed the offerings of the wealthy, as she gave all she had, while those with considerable means contributed less (Mk. 12:43-44). Do not disregard those who seem worthless as they lie down. Recognize their true worth, for they bear the image of our Savior. Mankind has cast them in their own image, to make evident the shame of the callous and wretched; they resemble those who remind the oppressor of royal likeness to condemn their cruelty. They are the stewards of the promised treasures, guardians of the kingdom that opens its doors to the righteous and bars them to the cruel and hateful. They serve both as strong accusers and faithful defenders. Their defense and accusations come not through words but through their very presence before the Judge. For what is done for them resonates with the Heart more profoundly than any proclamation. Because of them, this dire judgment has been inscribed by God’s messengers, of which you have often been informed.

After stating what type of fasting He rejects, He reveals the fasting He accepts with love. He instructs, release the bonds of wickedness and the ties of oppression. The original texts convey that these obligations, often misrepresented, bind the poor with debt, which breeds turmoil in many cities. This is why we see the Roman populace took refuge in the hills, just as the ancient practice of debt relief aimed to restore ownership and free slaves. The prophet does not imply that demands for legitimate debts should be dismissed; rather, where the obligations are unjust, the ties of unrighteousness must be severed.

While fasting traditionally leads to a humbling of the body and a seeking of forgiveness, we are also taught in Sacred Scripture to forgive our debtors as our Heavenly Father forgives us our debts (Matthew 6). Historical practices during the sabbatical year or the jubilee year, when ownership is restored and debts are canceled, highlight the spirit of mercy commanded in the Gospel. We are called not to exact retribution, but to offer our left hand to those who strike us (Ex. 21). Mentioning the call to release the brokenhearted emphasizes setting free those burdened by poverty and the weight of obligations.

In some translations, it is stated: sever every unjust contract; and others affirm dissolve every false obligation. Should someone claim they have no debtors, and seek guidance on accepted fasting, the response is clear: share your bread with the hungry. You need not fear hunger; it suffices to share even a portion of what you would consume. And do not give from dishonorable means; for the deliverance of the laborer is their true wealth (Proverbs 13:8). The command to honor the Lord from your just labors reinforces this notion (Proverbs 3:9). If you possess little, share what is surplus without fear of loss.

Extend your generosity not only within your own walls but also into any space you can provide—be it your own home or otherwise. When you see the bare, clothe them. The Lord echoed this in the Gospel, stating that whoever has two garments should give one to the poor (Luke 3:11). He did not instruct the division of a single garment for show, but rather encouraged keeping one while uplifting the value of righteousness. Even the smallest act of kindness has its merit.

And when addressing your own kin, do not neglect them. Everyone is our flesh; the parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that those who aid others become true neighbors (Luke 10). When our own people are in need, we are called to extend our help, as the Apostle teaches that we should do good to all, especially to those who share our faith (Gal. 6). For these are our flesh and blood. Christ’s own actions affirm this, as He identified His true family as those who do the will of the Father (Mark 3:34).

On the day of judgment, the righteous will be welcomed into the Kingdom, receiving recognition for the kindness they’ve shown (Matthew 25:34-36). They, in humility, will question what they have done for the Lord, only to be reminded that every act of kindness towards the least of His brethren counts as service to Him (Matthew 25:40).

In summary, those that fast ought not only to avoid evil but actively pursue goodness, liberating the faithful from the snares of heresy and bondage. They should heed the words of the psalmist, who proclaims that the Lord will lead away those misled into corruption (Psalm 124:5). Those who remain captive to false teachings are like sheep led to slaughter. Therefore, those in positions of spiritual authority must forgive and relieve those oppressed by heretical doctrines. After taking these actions, let them offer sustenance to those who hunger for the truth, just as Christ nourished His disciples with broken loaves and fish, ensuring each had something to share with the needy.

For those outside the fold, shivering from the cold of disbelief, invite them into the warmth of the Church, dressing them in the incorruptible garment of faith. With the hope that none should remain in the tombs of sin, remember to minister to all in need, but especially those who share in the faith.

It is essential for Christians to recognize that fasting is not merely a physical act. While physical fasting can help subdue our earthly desires, spiritual fasting is imperative; the two must coexist. Many people might abstain from food and drink but neglect to restrain their minds from malevolent thoughts, actions, and speech—leading to little benefit. Others might fast for a short time while still holding onto anger and a desire for revenge. Some may avoid food but still speak ill of others, rendering their efforts futile. True fasting encompasses a comprehensive abstinence from all evil.

For fasting to be meaningful, it must encompass both physical and spiritual dimensions. As you refrain from indulgence in excess, also abstain from harmful inclinations and thoughts. Let your mind turn away from trivial thoughts. Let your memory release resentment. Let your will be free from wrongful desires. Keep your eyes from witnessing evil: “Turn away your eyes, that you may not see vanity” (Psalm 118:37). Guard your ears against harmful songs and malicious whispers. Control your tongue, avoiding slander, judgment, blasphemy, lies, flattery, profanity, and all worthless speech. Refrain from inflicting harm or stealing from others, and ensure your feet do not tread upon wicked paths: “Turn away from evil and do good” (Psalm 33:15; 1 Peter 3:11). This is the fasting that God desires from His people.

Repent, and by abstaining from all evil thoughts, words, and actions, strive to learn and embody virtue. By doing so, you will maintain a fast in the eyes of God. “If you fast in quarrels and strife, and strike with the fist of wickedness, why do you fast before Me as you do now, that your voice may be heard? This is not the fast I have chosen, nor is it a day for a person to humble their soul by bending their neck like a reed and spreading sackcloth and ashes underneath. Such a fast is not one I consider pleasant,” says the Lord. “Instead, loose the bonds of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke. Share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, cover him, and do not hide yourself from your own flesh. Then your light shall break forth like the morning, and your healing shall spring forth speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry, and He will say, ‘Here am I!’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness; if you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noon day” (Isaiah 58:4-10).