Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 8, 2025

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Scripture Text: Isaiah 58:9b-14

Thus says the LORD:

If you remove from your midst oppression,

false accusation and malicious speech;

If you bestow your bread on the hungry

and satisfy the afflicted;

Then light shall rise for you in the darkness,

and the gloom shall become for you like midday;

Then the LORD will guide you always

and give you plenty even on the parched land.

He will renew your strength,

and you shall be like a watered garden,

like a spring whose water never fails.

The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake,

and the foundations from ages past you shall raise up;

"Repairer of the breach," they shall call you,

"Restorer of ruined homesteads."

If you hold back your foot on the sabbath

from following your own pursuits on my holy day;

If you call the sabbath a delight,

and the LORD's holy day honorable;

If you honor it by not following your ways,

seeking your own interests, or speaking with malice--

Then you shall delight in the LORD,

and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;

I will nourish you with the heritage of Jacob, your father,

for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading of today from the Prophet Isaiah reveals to the people the LORD’s desire for their salvation and the path to that salvation. First, we are told to pursue right justice – loving relationships with one another especially the most vulnerable. Second, we are told to seek right worship – loving relationship with our LORD. If we do both, we are assured lives in our LORD.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How focused am I on my relationship with the LORD and with others? Do I seek to strengthen my relationships or simply increase my possessions?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only-begotten Son to us as our brother, our teacher, and our redeemer. He revealed your great love for us and called us to right-relationship with one another and with You through his words but most especially through His example. As we make our Lenten journey, send your Spirit to help us focus on that which truly matters, our relationships. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.