Then your light shall break forth like the dawn. (Is. 58:7-10)

The Israelites are feeling smug in their detailed observance of the law, yet the Lord is clear something more important is missing. Their practices have no impact on their hearts or in responding to the downtrodden among them.  Their actions are turned in on themselves.  Yahweh, they complain does not recognize their good deeds and does not reward them.  They are, in fact, treating God as an “eternal vending machine” (Paul Giere). In response, the Lord tells them exactly what they are omitting: bread, shelter, and clothing for the oppressed. If they do these things, then the Lord will indeed be close at hand. In our own context, what do these commands of God mean?  How are we responding to the needs of the hungry, homeless and the oppressed, whether literally through food, shelter and clothing or in other ways such as accompanying the lonely or speaking out for the oppressed?