Manifesting the spirit of the law
I find that there is no time like Lent for the debate on the letter of the law versus the spirit of the law to rise up. Most agree that both are essential but which precept leads and which follows?
Note Isaiah’s challenge to us today: “Tell my people their wickedness, and the house of Jacob their sins.”
Isaiah goes on to say that the aforementioned wickedness and sins involve how they fast. They follow the letter of the law, and God is not pleased. Why? They have no concern for the spirit of the law. They do everything for their own interest and at the same time oppress others, quarrel, fight and strike “with a wicked claw.”
Speaking through Isaiah, God defines appropriate fasting as an act of breaking the bonds of injustice: freeing the oppressed, sharing bread with the hungry and sheltering the homeless. It means giving clothes to the naked and satisfying the needs of the afflicted. It is almost verbatim the message we hear in Matthew 25, “Judgment of the Nations.”
During Lent, and throughout the year, our strict and dutiful adherence to fasting, praying and almsgiving will be judged on how they comport with the corporal works of mercy. It is our sacrificial actions done not simply to meet the letter of the law but to manifest the spirit of the law that are pleasing to God.
The words of the late Archbishop Helder Câmara of Brazil always resonate with me in terms of assessing my true motives and how closely I am following the guidance of the Spirit. He said, “When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor, they call me a communist.” Personally, communist is on the mild list of names I have been called.
In my work at Catholic Charities, particularly as of late, I frequently reflect upon the wisdom of Archbishop Câmara’s words. These reflections help me to process both the injustices suffered by our clients as well as why those sufferings and injustices continue to exist…and even increase. Particularly during Lent, these are the reflections that keep me awake at night. Maybe they should keep us all awake at night.
Deacon Michael Wofford serves as the Director of Mission for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Stockton, CA. He serves as a permanent deacon at the Cathedral of the Annunciation and is also diocesan liaison for Catholic Social Teaching. He is blessed to be the husband of Renee, the father of four and grandfather of five.