Home > Lenten Blog 2024

How Fast to Your Fast

February 16, 2024

Isaiah 58:1-9a  |  Matt 9:10-17  |  Psalm 51:1-10

Support Support us, O Lord, with your gracious favor through the fast we have begun; that as we observe it by bodily self-denial, so we may fulfill it with inner sincerity of heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Not being a very successful follower of the discipline of fasting, I found today’s readings challenging. Why do we fast? How do different faiths observe fasts? What does it mean to fast?

Across the faiths fasting is a way to practice self discipline and achieve spiritual renewal. Fasting is meant to purify the body and allow us to focus on our relationship with God. Whether we fast for eight hours, from sunrise to sunset, or for forty days, the goal is the same: to further a closer understanding of and connection with God. Among several traditions a fast is also a way to help those in need – those whose lack of food is not their choice. (I believe the current term to whitewash the problem is “food insecurity”,  and even that term does not cover those suffering from famine. But that’s a rant for another blog.)

Whether the reason for fasting is spiritual, medical, or conceit, a fast requires and results in a reset – a change in mind and practice. We reset our relationship with food to reset our relationship with God and with ourselves. We will have many opportunities for resets during the next few months – global, national and within our congregation. While these resets will not require fasting, let’s hold on to the spiritual renewal that fasting brings as we experience the changes, the uncertainties and the feelings of loss.

Sally House