First Reading: Isaiah 58:2-9a

They seek me daily, 

They long to know my ways,

Like a nation that wants to act with integrity

And not ignore the Law of its God.

They ask me for laws that are just, 

They long for God to draw near. 

3 Yet they say, ‘Why should we fast if you never see it? Why do penance if you never notice?’

Because when you fast, it’s business as usual, and you oppress all your workers!

4 Because when you fast, you quarrel and fight and strike the poor with your fist!

Fasting like yours today will never make your voice heard on high!

5 Is that the sort of fast that pleases me–a day when people humiliate themselves, hanging their heads like a reed,

Lying down on sackcloth and ashes?

Is that what you call fasting, 

A day acceptable to YHWH (Yahweh)?

6 On the contrary!

This is the sort of fast that pleases me:

Remove the chains of injustice! 

Undo the ropes of the yoke!

Let those who are oppressed go free,

And break every yoke you encounter!

7 Share your bread with those who are hungry,

And shelter homeless poor people!

Clothe those who are naked,

And don’t hide from the needs of your own flesh and blood!

8 Do this, and your light will shine like the dawn–

And your healing will break forth like lightning!

Your integrity will go before you,

And the glory of YHWH will be your rearguard. 

9 Cry, and YHWH will answer;

Call, and God will say, ‘I am here’ —

Gospel Reading:  Mark 6:1-13 (CEB)

6 Jesus left that place and came to his hometown. His disciples followed him. 2 On the Sabbath, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were surprised. “Where did this man get all this? What’s this wisdom he’s been given? What about the powerful acts accomplished through him? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were repulsed by him and fell into sin.

4 Jesus said to them, “Prophets are honored everywhere except in their own hometowns, among their relatives, and in their own households.” 5 He was unable to do any miracles there, except that he placed his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 He was appalled by their disbelief.

Then Jesus traveled through the surrounding villages teaching.

7 He called for the Twelve and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority over unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a walking stick—no bread, no bags, and no money in their belts. 9 He told them to wear sandals but not to put on two shirts. 10 He said, “Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place. 11 If a place doesn’t welcome you or listen to you, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should change their hearts and lives. 13 They cast out many demons, and they anointed many sick people with olive oil and healed them.