Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston-Largen
As we reflect on the Lenten discipline of fasting this week, I have been thinking about how fasting might be seen as a form of sabbath-keeping, and how a specific fasting practice might also deepen our understanding of what it means to “remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.”
In these verses in Exodus, Moses explains that, even in their extreme circumstances in the desert, God’s people are to keep the sabbath, which means that they are to rest and not work—they are not even to gather the food they need to eat on the sabbath. Instead, they are to trust that the LORD will provide even their most basic, fundamental needs, and to put their relationship with God first, focusing on prayer and worship. For just one day, they are to “fast” from all other responsibilities and duties.
The Lenten discipline of fasting provides a similar opportunity for us to release our grasp on the things that hold our attention and affection, and draw us away from God. Fasting invites us to “rest” from our cravings, and fill the space our fasting creates with our own prayer and worship, and with renewed attention to God and to our neighbors.
Compassionate God, open our hands and hearts such that we might let go of those things we cling to and trust in you to provide for our every need. In our fasting, draw us nearer to you, and to one another in the love and grace of your Son, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
