Week 6

This week, I only did one day (see below)...I allowed other things to take over the time I had been setting aside for this spiritual practice.  First thing in the morning became more about snoozing, then I started eating a healthy breakfast and even working out here and there.  And before I go to bed, like now, I get overwhelmed by how much I have to read, write, debt I have to pay, and decisions I need to make that the smallest of tasks seem best to be swept into tomorrow.

This coming week will be my first Holy Week that I celebrate the week in addition to the Resurrection.  I will still keep my tradition of watching The Passion on Sunday.  I will also make the time this week to do my readings and writings each day.

Lord help me.

Day 34

Isaiah 58:1-14

Get my prayers off the ground and fly above it all

Isaiah's talk here is mirrored by Jesus during his sermon on the mount.  He cautions people from hamming up their fasting around others.  Their reward then congress from the attention or recognition they gain from others. Instead, Isaiah outlines that true fasting is not about showing others how holy you are, but about bringing about justice and God's healing to those who need it.

Also, Isaiah points out that Sabbath, when practiced as God intended, leads to a closeness to God and a joy that lifts you above the doldrums of life.