Minä Olen

Why do we fast when you don't see it,
We punish ourselves when you don't notice?
Look, on your fast day you pursue your own interests
And oppress all your workers.

You fast for strife and contention,
To strike with a wicked fist.
You do not fast as to make your voice heard on high.

Is this the fast that I desire,
The day a person afflicts himself?
To bow his head like a reed
And lie in sackcloth and ashes?
Is this what you call a fast,
A day acceptable to the Lord?

Is not this the fast that I desire:
To loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the straps of the yoke,
And let the oppressed go free,
And break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
And bring the homeless poor into your house;
When you see the naked, to cover him,
And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
And your healing will quickly appear;
Your righteousness will go before you,
And the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
You will cry for help, and he will say:
'Here I am.'