In today's first reading, Isaiah 58: 9b-14, God says to us through the prophet: "If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday; then the Lord will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land. He will renew your strength, and you will be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails...."
Let us, with God's strength, remove the "ifs" and do what God asks of us, especially in our families and religious communities, that is, stop speaking maliciously of anyone, if we are doing that. Let us relieve family members or community members hungry for love and kindness, forgiveness and honesty. Let us respond to our children's or a community member's need for quality time--perhaps help with homework or saying "yes" to their request that a parent play with them or a spouse--or community member--hungry to hear "I love you," "I appreciate you," "Great job showing that you care." When we heed God's call to live in this fashion, we live in the Light. We bear fruit that will last and are lifted out of gloom into joy and peace of heart, mind and soul! Yes, our strength in renewed and so is that of others! We become "like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails" to quench the thirst of others for a glimpse of God in their midst!
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