THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
Matthew 6:16-21
“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.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
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Kellie Lisi
Fasting is a common spiritual practice in the season of Lent, a practice used to help shift our focus to God. Abstain from eating for a set period of time and, when you feel hungry, focus instead your energy on God who sustains and gives life. In my personal experience, fasting is holy and meaningful in theory, yet disordered and fraught in practice.
In a culture rife with disordered thinking about food and bodies and consumption, challenges with the practice of fasting can be the case for many people. For me, fasting one day a week resulted in constant thinking about restriction and eating less throughout the entire week. Rather than help me release control and turn to God, I tightened control and was saturated in thinking about my food intake.
God is a God who cares about our bodies, about our full and holy selves. When fasting becomes less about God and more about ourselves, we can make space to think about fasting differently, in a way that brings life and presence, rather than control and burden. Of course, we can always fast from things other than food, such as the news, or social media, or specific foods (though any food-related restrictions may be a slippery slope). When it comes to food, however, sometimes the best spiritual practice can be to add things in, rather than to take things out. Practices such as these can truly help shift our focus and our being to God during the season of Lent.
Our faith is centered on the Triune God who is with us, in us, and through us. God who makes all of creation, who makes food that grows from the earth, who has given us food that sustains, nourishes, and delights us. In this season of Lent, we can consider a spiritual practice that honors the gift of food, that honors the gift of our bodies, our relationships, and our Earth, even as we walk with Jesus toward the cross.
What will bring life and continually shift you to God? Perhaps a special table prayer to use throughout Lent, or a commitment to plant a garden or a single pot. Perhaps hosting or attending a community meal. Perhaps taking time to learn a new technique or recipe. Perhaps giving to an organization that feeds hungry people. Perhaps praying over the lunches you pack for yourself or your family members each day.
God in Christ Jesus through the Holy Spirit is with us not only in restrictive food practices, but also in practices of abundance and thanksgiving. Let us give thanks and shift to Godself who brings light and life.
For the bountiful table you prepare for us, God, we give you thanks.
Turn us ever toward you, that we may delight in what you have given us,
and share your goodness with our neighbors.
Help us welcome all our siblings to your holy table,
that we may be connected and nourished for the sake of the world you love.
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