Given the discussion below about some of the ways that we new and not-so-new converts can get things wrong, I thought today’s lectionary reading from Isaiah was interesting. And maybe a little comforting, at least insofar as it lets you know that the fight isn’t something new. How do we exhibit righteousness without becoming self-righteous? Apparently God’s Chosen People didn’t always know either.

“Cry aloud with strength, and spare not: lift up your voice like a trumpet and declare to My people their sins, and to the house of Jacob their lawlessness.

“They seek Me day by day, and desire to know My ways. As a people who did righteousness, and did not forsake the judgment of their God, they now ask Me about righteous judgment and desire to draw near to God, saying, ‘Why have we fasted, but You did not see it? Why have we humbled our souls, but You did not know?’

“Because in the days of your fasts, you seek your own wills, and mistreat those under your authority. If you fast for condemnation and quarrels, and strike a humble man with your fists, why do you fast to Me as you do today, so your voice may be heard in crying?

“I did not choose this fast, and such a day for a man to humble his soul; nor if you should bow your neck like a ring and spread sackcloth and ashes under yourself, could you thus call such a fast acceptable.

“I did not choose such a fast,” says the Lord: “Rather, loose every bond of wrongdoing, untie the knots of violent dealings, cancel the debts of the oppressed; and tear apart every unjust contract. Break your bread for the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house. If you see a naked man, clothe him, nor shall you disregard your offspring in your own household.

“Then your light shall break forth as the morning, and your healing shall spring forth quickly. Your righteousness shall go before you, and the glory of God shall cover you.”

– Isaiah 58:1-9