Isaiah 1:11-17

11The Lord asks, “What do your many animal sacrifices mean to me? I’ve had enough of your burnt offerings of rams and enough fat from your fattened calves. I’m not pleased with the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats.

12When you appear in my presence, who asked you to trample on my courtyards?

13Don’t bring any more worthless grain offerings. Your incense is disgusting to me, so are your New Moon Festivals, your days of rest—holy days, and the assemblies you call. I can’t stand your evil assemblies.

14I hate your New Moon Festivals and your appointed festivals. They’ve become a burden to me, and I’m tired of putting up with them.

15So when you stretch out your hands ⌞in prayer⌟, I will turn my eyes away from you. Even though you offer many prayers, I will not listen because your hands are covered with blood.

16“Wash yourselves! Become clean! Get your evil deeds out of my sight. Stop doing evil.

17Learn to do good. Seek justice. Arrest oppressors. Defend orphans. Plead the case of widows.”