Lenten Devotions

Read Today’s Scripture

Isaiah 58:1–12
Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21

“Fast not like the hypocrites”

If you think Ash Wednesday’s readings are heavy on the guilt, you are not alone! But maybe this is what we need: a disturbingly loud alarm to rouse us out of our complacency. Sometimes (but not always!) we need God’s Word to tell it as it is—“declare to my people their transgression” (Is 58:1). And fasting means to turn away from the transgressions of idols to the true and living God. However, here is what’s interesting about today’s readings. Neither reading is focused on fasting versus not fasting. Rather, both readings focus on true kind of fasting versus false kind of fasting. False fasting like the hypocrites is giving up something for personal adulation. Or perhaps fasting to earn blessings from God. Rather, Jesus hones in on true fasting in today’s Gospel. God desires that we give up something so that we can experience God, and live out righteous and holy lives like Jesus—a life of sacrifice for the sake of others. This is the true and holy kind of fasting.

Are you fasting this lent? In what way does your fasting need a tune up so that it is “not like the hypocrites”?

Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lenten Activities