Justice Is True Faith's Expression
a hymn by Aaron Schultz
a reflection on Isaiah 58:1-14
Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7
Suggested Tune: PICARDY
1. Marked by worn transfigured faces,
righteous bow their heads in pride;
day by day the pious worship,
while defection lives inside.
Knowledge, zeal, and strict devotion
form a mask to hide behind.
2. Break the bonds of veiled injustice:
clothe the naked, feed the poor,
free the captive, house the wand’rer
as if Christ were at the door.
Forming peace amidst the broken
is the fast God asks us for.
3. Justice is true faith’s expression,
leaving healing in it’s wake.
Christ, who suffered all injustice,
became poor for humans’ sake.
Let our worship lead to mercy,
justice in our hearts awake.
Notes:
Isaiah 58:1-14 is a particularly challenging text for worship leaders because it reveals the true purpose behind pious worshipful action; to be the hands and feet of God in this world. Yes, worshiping through song and prayer is important. Yes, fasting and pursuing practices of restraint are important. Yes, participating frequently in the Eucharistic meal is important. But these acts of worship are not destinations in and of themselves; they are catalysts for justice and move us into action. These acts of worship help transform us into Christ-likeness and draw us closer in community with one another.
This hymn text attempts to point at our own hypocrisy with strong language while revealing the demands of faith as expressed through our collective call to justice.
