March 5th, by kaleigh franklin

March 5, 2022
Kaleigh Franklin: Senior 
Isaiah 58:9b-14/Lk 5:27-32

There is something special about this reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. It is a
call to action. Not the kind of action one would readily expect in our modern day. This is a call to
Charity and Solidarity. I know many people will hear a call to action and think of a means of
rapid change most likely on a social issue. This is now what Isaiah is necessarily asking for here.
He is not asking for a change of government rule, of taxation price, but a change of heart in the
people of God. We as sons and daughters of Christ have flown far from our Father’s nest,
seeking our own means of happiness when we feel his ways don’t give us the results we want.
When it comes to your parents taking care of you, they know the difference between something
that is needed and necessary and something that is wanted. We as their children need proper
nourishment of the body (food and water) and nourishment of our mind and faith (morals and
sound faith foundation). They know we don’t need that shiny new car or brand-new phone. We
have what we need and need to use the extras we have to help others. That's what Isaiah is asking
for. For us to find what we need to live and give to others so they can do the same. This doesn't
mean just physical things, it means our time, our strength, and our gifts. Isaiah here is calling for
the dropping of unnecessary things like our bad habits. Things that not only damage us but those
around us. 
By helping those that are less fortunate we form good habits, sympathy, empathy, generosity.
The habits help lay out that path we follow to heaven when we pass on. We also leave a lasting
impression on those we help. Without that help most never have a chance of getting out of
poverty or seeing what it's like to not worry about how you are going to feed your kids, or how
you are going to keep the lights on, without having to worry about being able to stay alive. They

are given a second chance because of our help and the help of the Lord. If society as a whole
won’t help, then we will make sure that those people receive all the help they can get. In doing
this we turn and begin flying back toward that nest we flew far from and can continue to repair
and restore that relationship. 
Moreover, the Gospel reading further solidifies the message of the first reading. We are called to
leave our earthly desires and belongings and follow in the Lord's footsteps.  He wants us to love
and adore only him. He humbled himself and not only became human but became friends with
the lowest of the low, beggars, sinners, tax collectors and adulterers. He kept his arms open for
those people waiting for them to come back to him. Just like we are called back to him regardless
of the sins we harbor and the crosses we bear. He wants to be with us, we just have to choose to
be with him.