2 They still come every day looking for meand want to learn my ways.They act just like a nation that does what is right,that obeys the commands of its God.They ask me to judge them fairly.They want God to be near them.
3 They say, ‘To honor you we had special days when we fasted,but you didn’t see.We humbled ourselves to honor you,but you didn’t notice.’ ”But the Lord says, “You do what pleases yourselves on these special days,and you are unfair to your workers.
4 On these special days when you fast, you argue and fightand hit each other with your fists.You cannot do these things as you do nowand believe your prayers are heard in heaven.
5 This kind of special day is not what I want.This is not the way I want people to be sorry for what they have done.I don’t want people just to bow their heads like a plantand wear rough cloth and lie in ashes to show their sadness.This is what you do on your special days when you fast,but do you think this is what the Lord wants?
6 “I will tell you the kind of fast I want:Free the people you have put in prison unfairlyand undo their chains.Free those to whom you are unfairand stop their hard labor.
7 Share your food with the hungryand bring poor, homeless people into your own homes.When you see someone who has no clothes, give him yours,and don’t refuse to help your own relatives.
8 Then your light will shine like the dawn,and your wounds will quickly heal.Your God will walk before you,and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.