eFollowingJesusJan25 - Fasting (read Matthew 6:16-18)

   Nothing is more alien to our culture than fasting.  But Moses, Jesus, and saints through history knew that renunciation is the only route to fulfillment.

   Fasting isn't giving up something harmful, like smoking or double martinis.  Fasting is giving up something good, but which I do without for a time for the sake of God.  When we satisfy every desire, as often as possible, then our deeper desire for God is numbed, buried.  I fast to recover a deeper quest than the satisfaction of my animal desires.  I blunt those desires to whet my appetite for God.

   When hunger gnaws, I discover how hollow I am, how superficial I can be.  "Our human cravings and desires are like rivers that tend to overflow their banks; fasting helps keep them in their proper channels" (Richard Foster).  We also learn a solidarity with the needy, and are drawn to understand and care for them. 

   Francis of Assisi once fasted for forty days, but on the thirty-ninth day he broke the fast, eating half a loaf of bread - in order to avoid vainglory, as he might be tempted to think he was as holy as Jesus.

   Lord, teach me the discipline of fasting; I want to hunger only for You. 

James

james@mpumc.org

Here is the full text of Matthew 6:16-18 -   16: "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17: But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18: that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

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