Fasting is a multi-faceted discipline which can deepen our walk with God. It can be done individually or as a community of faith. While fasting has been practiced by people of faith from Old Testament times to Jesus himself, it is a discipline from which we would benefit. I urge you to consider putting into practice some spiritual disciplines during Lent—set aside a time for daily prayer and Bible reading. Consider serving God in a new way each week. Think about the sacrifice Jesus made for you…and what you might “sacrifice” for Him during this season of reflection. May this Lent be a season of growth for us – individually and corporately!
by Lynell Caudillo
Very soon, Lent will begin. Lent is the period of 40 days prior to Easter (not counting Sundays) that begins with Ash Wednesday and traditionally ends with Maundy Thursday (the Thursday of Holy Week when Jesus washed the disciples feet). Lent is, in the traditional church calendar, a time for instructing new converts to the faith who would be baptized on Easter, and a time of reflection for those already baptized, to recall what God has done for us in the life, suffering and death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Often the practice of fasting has been associated with Lent, or “giving up” a favorite food for those 40 days. It so happens that I have been reading a new book—“hot off the press” –titled, "Fasting: Spiritual Freedom Beyond Our Appetites" by Lynne Baab. (Lynne is a friend and Presbyterian pastor.)
Most of us are unfamiliar with fasting as a spiritual discipline, however Lynne emphasizes that abstinence from food or anything else (shopping, movies, use of the computer, watching TV or listening to the radio) can be undertaken as a means to free us from compulsive behaviors and to focus on growing spiritually. For instance, in the tradition of our Eastern Orthodox brothers and sisters, it is customary to fast from meat or animal products, one day a week. In doing so, one might set aside the cost associated with those meals, and contribute it to the food bank. Another purpose of fasting is to focus on our relationship with God. Time usually spent shopping, in food preparation, or watching TV could be spent in personal prayer or Bible study.
Please be advised that no one should engage in a total fast (or even partial fasts) from food without discussing first with one’s physician, as individual health conditions and medications vary. |
