Listen

Isn’t this the fast I choose: releasing wicked restraints, untying the ropes of a yoke, setting free the mistreated, and breaking every yoke? Isn’t it sharing your bread with the hungry and bringing the homeless poor into your house, covering the naked when you see them, and not hiding from your own family? Then your light will break out like the dawn, and you will be healed quickly. Your own righteousness will walk before you, and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard.

Isaiah 58:6-8

Think

The sincerity of our actions is fundamental for God. It is not enough to attend church, sing with emotion, or give a generous offering if our heart is not truly aligned with God’s will. God is not impressed with empty rituals or outward appearances. What God is looking for is a genuine change of life. Our faith must be reflected in the way we treat others, in the justice we promote, and in the love we extend to those around us.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that a true change of heart translates into concrete actions: freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, sheltering the needy, and clothing the naked. Only when we live with integrity and love does our light shine and our wounds find healing. We cannot claim to follow God if our behavior outside the church reflects indifference or injustice. True faith is demonstrated by deeds.

Marissa Galván-Valle

Question to Ponder:

In what ways can you reflect your faith with real actions in your daily life at school, at home, or with your friends?

Pray

Help me, O God, to live an authentic faith, which is not just words, but becomes actions of love, liberating, sharing, and healing.

One action I can take today to live out my faith is…

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go

Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

God’s forgiveness fills us with peace.

When you go out, share that peace with others.