When I think of fasting, two Hebrew Bible passages come to mind: Isaiah 58 and Esther 4. Isaiah 58 connects the practice of fasting and social justice, whereas Esther 4 exemplifies how this discipline prepares us for action. Fasting in Esther prepares the soil for change for a crucial time, “for such a time as this.”
In Esther, the practice of fasting contrasts with the frequent mention of feasting and drinking. Chapter 4 sets up a change of tone. I like how Adele Berlin describes the chapter:
This is a somber chapter. Gone are the bright lights of the palace, the luxurious food and finery, the extravagant cosmetics of the harem, the settings of power and prestige. The beautiful people living the good life fade into the distance. This is a scene of mourning garb and fasting, a reversal of the previous drinking and frivolity...
I find in Esther 4 two expressions of the discipline of fasting. In Mordecai, fasting and mourning are acts of protest and resistance to the anti-Jewish policies. Mordecai showed himself in the public square wearing sackcloth and covered in ashes and refused to change back to a garb which could allow him entrance to the palace.
From the perspective of Esther, fasting serves as a preparation to fight together with others the unjust decree against their identity and right to exist. Esther wrestles with the temptation of staying safe at the palace or using her influence to help her people. The passage shows Esther’s transformation from a passive character oblivious to the conflicts of her people, to an active character willing to risk her life for their wellbeing.
Nobody knew a year ago that we would be challenged to live under a pandemic. Living and doing ministry today has required many adjustments. This pandemic has been a constant reminder of our humanity and we have felt death breathing down our necks. We mourn the loss of our loved ones and the changes to our daily living which do not allow the much-needed fellowshipping with others. However, COVID-19 is not the only virus infecting our society and our world and killing our people. The injustice of a system benefiting those in power, while oppressing the poor and the disadvantaged, and the racism and casteism of our country and the global world have killed many and destroyed families and entire communities.
Esther 4 invites us to fast as a preparation for the event of the cross. It is a call to action, denouncing the oppressive policies that crucified the powerless in society, and fighting together with others for a world where justice prevails, where those crucified by the powers of can live against, resurrecting to the hope of a better life. Esther’s fasting calls us in this Lenten season to opening our hearts to change, getting rid of everything that hinders us the fulfillment of God’s mission for our lives for the sake of transformation in our world.
Rev. Lydia Hernández-Marcial, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible
Wartburg Theological Seminary
