Craig L. Nessan, Academic Dean
Fasting is a little regarded spiritual practice in U.S. society. We are taught that the good life involves consumption, not fasting: “I consume, therefore I am.” We are socialized to believe that the meaning of life involves acquisition. We are immersed in a relentless formation process through public media to believe in and practice consumption as our lifestyle. Therefore, in this society fasting may be among the most needful spiritual practices for the wellbeing of our souls.
Fasting has been largely forgotten as a Lenten discipline although fasting is widely attested in Scripture and church history, including by Martin Luther. [Note well: fasting should be avoided by those for whom it would endanger their health!] Could it be that our resistance to fasting indicates the power of the Tempter over our lives? Whenever one fasts—not “if” according to Jesus—what does one gain?
First, one gains purification of the body from toxins, sugar, and other substances. Withdrawal from food initiates physical craving that can be spiritually transformed into prayer and redirected toward God. Second, one gains awareness of one’s attachments. Fasting is an occasion for recognizing one’s idolatries, in order to turn to God as the only source of life.
Martin Luther explains the First Commandment: “Therefore to have a god is nothing else than to trust and believe in that one with your whole heart…If your faith and trust are right, then your God is the true one. Conversely, where your trust is false and wrong, there you do not have the true God. Anything on which your heart relies and depends, I say, that is really your God.”
Finally, fasting is needful for the sake of the impoverished and hungry people of this world. Again today, millions of people across the globe are chronically hungry. The suffering is acute among new refugee populations. The poor of this world need our collective fasting in order that we advocate that the world’s wealth be more justly distributed. While their fast is involuntary, our fasting is by choice. During Lent we take up the fast, pray for a deepened relationship with God in Christ, and learn to advocate for and share generously with those most vulnerable.
