The fast I have chosen
Isn't this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?
Isaiah's people were fasting and wondering why God did not seem to notice. The answer: because you fast and then go on oppressing. The fast God chooses is a loosening of bonds rather than a private discipline, starting with the ones you have put on others and the ones you have put on yourself. Today is the first full day without food, sunset to sunset. As the hunger comes in its waves, ask what yoke it is time to break. Then let the empty hours be spent on that.
Today's practice
Name a yoke: something that binds another person because of you, or binds you because of a habit. Take one concrete step toward undoing it today.
The fast · a full day
The first twenty-four-hour fast: after last night's supper, eat nothing until supper tonight. Water, a pinch of salt if lightheaded, tea or black coffee. Break it gently.
By the calendar, today is Day ?.