Words to inspire, motivate, or start a discussion.

I came across this passage in Isaiah (58) yesterday:

Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed
and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD ?

6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?

7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

It made me think of the passage that Jesus alludes to many times, Hosea 6:6:

"I desire mercy, not sacrifice".

Being a disciple of our great Rabbi doesn't include judging the world or sacrificing things in our lives to become closer to God. Being a disciple means SERVING, bringing justice to our world, showing mercy to others, and loving people to the best of our abilities. These days, it seems like the church is more focused on proving that we aren't stupid or naive than actually doing what we are called to do, bringing God's light to the world. That is the only thing that will ever make any kind of difference. We, all of us, are the same, we are all in this together, and no one is more worthy or more right when they stand before God. Let us not forget that. Let us not forget what the life of Jesus looked like when he was among us. A rabbi who walked with the people, healing with kindness, truth, and love. No stipulations.