They Are A Trouble To Me, I Am Weary Of Bearing Them

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Keraza Magazine issue 9-10 February 28, 2014

Never did we hear in the Holy Bible the Lord complain of the Incarnation, even with all it entails of emptying Himself, nor did we find in any place in Holy Scripture what might even slightly indicate that He wearied of the path of the cross, with all its Passion. On the contrary, St. Paul reveals to us Jesus' stand on the cross: "Jesus...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2).

As for Isaiah the prophet, he reveals to us a curiously horrific image. Here, God uses human negative terms to express the extent of His irritation with the customary practices of His people: "Bring no more futile sacrifices; incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies–I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; they are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them" (Isaiah 1:13-14).

The mind halts before this amazing verse; how can it conceive God, whose essence is love, feels abomination and hatred? God, who is longsuffering, cannot endure and is weary? God Almighty and All-powerful is troubled! What, my Lord, was able to overcome Your love, longsuffering, and might? What is this, that caused You to confide Your complaints to Isaiah the prophet, revealing to him the pain in Your heart? Neither the persecutor, or the crucifier, nor even the devil with all his might, were able to make You express one complaint against them!

It is futile worship! No doubt worship includes fasting. Here we are at the threshold of a new Great Fast Season; one year has passed and another year comes, one fast has passed and another fast comes. I imagine God standing at the threshold of the fast complaining to His angels and saints of His agony from our fasts: "They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them" (Isaiah 1:14). I imagine Him reproaching us: "And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?" (Malachi 1:8).

"You also say, 'Oh, what a weariness!' And you sneer at it, says the Lord of hosts" (Malachi 1:13). Does this verse not perfectly describe how many feel about fasting, with its self-restraint from longings and desires? Yet, the Lord answers: "'Should I accept this from your hand?' says the Lord" (Malachi 1:13).

Let us examine ourselves, and settle it in our hearts to offer the Lord an acceptable fast, as an acceptable sweet savor, while the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf to Him: "Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously" (Hosea 14:2). Yes Lord, receive us graciously. Amen.

Bishop Youssef
Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States