Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Isaiah 58:6-7 (True Fasting)

Roman Catholic Lens Reading of Isaiah 58:6-7 (True Fasting)

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read Isaiah 58:6-7 as a call to authentic worship, which demands not only ritual observance but also a life of charity and justice. The Catholic tradition sees this passage as prefiguring the sacramental life of the Church, where true fasting is not merely abstaining from food but participating in the self-giving love of Christ. The Church teaches that our worship of God is empty if not accompanied by works of mercy, reflecting the Incarnational reality that our faith must be lived out in tangible acts of love and service to others.

Key Language Decisions

The Hebrew word for 'fast' (צום, tzom) in this context emphasizes a holistic approach to worship that includes ethical conduct and social justice. This tradition underscores how 'loosing the bonds of wickedness' and 'sharing bread with the hungry' are integral to true fasting, which aligns with the Church's emphasis on the corporal works of mercy. The translation choice to focus on communal and relational aspects of justice and charity resonates with our understanding of living out the Gospel.

Where Traditions Diverge

The Catholic tradition emphasizes the sacramental and incarnational dimensions of this passage, diverging from traditions like some Protestant groups that may interpret it more as a moral or ethical directive independent of sacramental theology. While others might focus on individual piety, we stress the communal and ecclesial nature of justice and charity as expressions of our Eucharistic faith. This difference matters because it underscores how grace and works are inseparable in the life of the Church.

Pastoral Application

In preaching this passage, we should encourage the faithful to see their acts of charity and justice as extensions of their participation in the Eucharistic celebration. We emphasize that true fasting and worship involve a commitment to the corporal works of mercy, reflecting the love of Christ to the world. Our community should be reminded that the love of God and love of neighbor are interconnected, and our Eucharistic celebration compels us to go forth and serve. A Roman Catholic congregation would expect to hear how their daily lives and social responsibilities are inherently linked to their sacramental participation.

Cross-References: Matthew 25:35-40; James 2:14-17; Tobit 12:8-9; 1 John 3:17-18; Luke 4:18-19

Doctrinal Connections: sacramentality of creation; the Eucharist as source and summit; Catholic Social Teaching; the corporal works of mercy; the Incarnation as the model of service