Spiritual Spark 🔥

"Shout loud, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their transgression, and to the house of Jacob their sins" (Is 58:1).

"Don't be silent, don't be violent" is one of the striking slogans of widespread protests India has witnessed in the last two-three months. Violence is not the solution to any problem; it makes matters worse. Similarly silence is also not a solution in the face of institutional injustice.

Today's first reading from Isaiah 58 is a very effective teaching on social aspect of fasting, which focuses on liberation and justice and not cultic practices. However the very first verse struck me strongly. It is a prophetic call, to raise voice against the injustice done by "my people".

It is very easy to notice the wrongs done by "other people", but it is very difficult to see the sins and transgressions committed by "our people". When we can raise voice against the injustice committed by "our people", only then can we call ourselves just and fair!

Good day and God bless us all! 🙏🏼🗣️