Scripture:
“Was it really for me that you fasted these seventy years? … Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion.” (Zechariah 7:5, 9)
Observation:
The people asked if they should keep fasting in the fifth month, the ritual mourning of Jerusalem’s destruction. The exile was over, the temple was rising again — was this tradition still necessary?
God’s reply is startling: For seventy years you have fasted, but not for Me. Outward obedience was there, but the heart was missing. Decades of religious effort meant nothing without love.
Reflection:
This is the danger for us too:
We can pray, fast, sing, and serve —
but if love for God and neighbor is absent,
our religion is hollow.
This is what we might call the Mafia Gospel: outward rituals used like a protective charm, while the heart runs after pride, greed, or self-importance. Just like the mafia lights candles, crosses themselves, and gives to the church — but then walks out the door to exploit and harm others — so we too can use religion to cover up a life that has no love.
The true measure of worship is not in rituals,
but in how we treat those who seem weaker,
those who cannot repay us,
those from whom we gain nothing.
To love our neighbor, especially the vulnerable,
is the heartbeat of faith.
Application
Questions:
1) When I do ministry, is it really because I love God and people? Or is it because I want to be seen, to feel important, or to build my identity on religious achievements?
2) Am I relying on rituals and rule keeping to cover over a lack of love?
3) How do I respond to people who seem weaker, inconvenient, or of no profit to me?
4) What would it look like this week to love my neighbor in a way that costs me something?
Prayer:
Lord, it is so easy for my heart to stray away from true devotion and love for You and for people. Help me this week to do whatever I do powered by Your love and without self-seeking. Amen.
