Is it this, that I would choose, 
to undo the latches, throw open the doors, 
empty the warehouses, let in the light, 
let out the breath, let in the light, 
let out the breath of the people bated, 
bated too long, 
to fast from the bread of bitterness, 
scatter its crumbs to the crows 
and watch them rise, the people free 
to watch them rise, the people free? 
Watch them rise

… Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight
    and to hit with wicked fist.
Fasting like yours this day
    will not make your voice to be heard on high.
Is such the fast that I choose,
    a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it to bow down his head like a rush,
    and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?
Will you call this a fast,
    and a day acceptable to the Lord?

 “Is not this the fast that I choose:
    to loose the bonds of wickedness,
    to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
    and to 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 shall your light break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you,
    the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. …

Ash Wednesday, Isaiah 58:4-8