Friday, March 12thMatthew 6:16-18
And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
| |
"I don't like fasting. But it reminds me Lent isn't all about me."
Rev. Troy Troftgruben, PhD
| |
Photographer Unknown, Licensed under CC
|
|
I don’t like fasting. But it reminds me Lent isn’t all about me.
Fasting (refraining from eating for a designated time) is a historic spiritual practice for Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other religious traditions. In ancient Israel, it was associated with repentance, mourning, and prayer (Judg 20:26; 1 Sam 7:6; 31:13; 2 Sam 1:12; 12:16–27; 1 Kings 21:27; Ezra 8:23; 9:5; Neh 1:4; 9:1; Esther 4:3; Pss 35:13; 69:10; 109:24; Joel 2:12). Fasting was prevalent enough that prophetic voices challenged its rote practice, stressing its connection to generosity, justice, and true devotion (Isa 58:3–9a; Zech 7:5).
Jesus gave mixed messages on fasting. He apparently expected comparatively less of it from his followers (Mark 2:18–22) and critiqued fasting for show (Matt 6:16–18; Luke 18:12). Still, he fasted (Matt 4:2) and assumed his followers did as well (“When you fast…,” 6:16–18). Early Christians fasted in connection with deliberate prayer (Mark 9:29; Acts 13:2–3; 14:23). In the first century, many Jews and Christians fasted two days a week (Luke 18:12; Didache 8.1). When we fast, we join these people of God across the millennia.
In Lent, I fast one day a week (midday only). I’ve done so for some years. I dread its first occurrence (Ash Wednesday), but by Easter find myself grateful, more centered, and feeling strangely a bit more “cleansed” in body and soul. It’s a physical experience of worship unlike others.
To be clear: fasting is not for everyone. Some of us have health risks, eating disorders, and factors for which fasting would be entirely unhealthy. Fasting is no more “special” a practice than others. It’s not necessary for faith. Some of us should just not fast. Period.
But some of us might. As people of the United States, by most standards we are the wealthiest, most consumerist, most privileged, and most overweight people in the world. Individually, we may not contribute directly to this reality, but collectively we are still part of it. Meanwhile, about 10% of the world lives with food insecurity, and nearly 25% of its children experience stunted growth due to malnutrition (see reference). Further, though our country is just 5% of the global population, we consume about 17% of its energyand produce about 15% of its greenhouse gas emissions (see reference).
| |
Fasting is a form of protest against these realities. It’s a way to stand with those who unjustly suffer. When I fast, I become more mindful of the experiences of others and the damage I indirectly contribute to. “Is not this the fast that I choose,” says the Lord, “to loose the bonds of injustice?” (Isa 58:6)
And fasting isn’t just about food. Some of us might contribute far more by fasting from things like Netflix, screen use, social media, doomscrolling, unnecessary spending, unnecessary driving, eating out, meat products, artificial sweeteners, soda, caffeine, alcohol, espresso drinks, energy drinks, or other things.
I don’t like fasting. Really, I don’t. But it helps remind me Lent isn’t all about me.
Rev. Troy Troftgruben Associate Professor of New Testament Wartburg Theological Seminary
| |
|
|
|
|