Not Quite So Fast
March 2023
We find seasons of fasting In most major religious communities. People fast for many reasons: guidance, changed behavior, spiritual renewal, health, prayer, atonement, peace, and meditation.
In Buddhism there is Vinaya, in Hinduism, Ekadasi; Islam observes Ramadan, and in Judaism there is Yom Kippur. First Nations communities have practiced fasting for thousands of years.
In many Christian traditions, fasting occurs during Lent, which is the 40 days before Easter. While “fasting” usually calls up foregoing certain foods or meals, we can also consider engaging with the deeper issues in our life, relationships, and work. For example, Italian Franciscans published this suggested list some years ago for Lent:
Fast from hurting words … and say kind words,
Fast from sadness … and be filled with gratitude,
Fast from anger … and be filled with patience,
Fast from pessimism … and be filled with hope,
Fast from worries … and have trust in God,
Fast from complaints … and contemplate simplicity,
Fast from pressures … and be prayerful,
Fast from bitterness … and fill your hearts with joy,
Fast from selfishness … and be compassionate to others,
Fast from grudges … and be reconciled,
Fast from words … and be silent so you can listen!
In the Christian faith, one's posture while fasting is both humble and secret. “I humbled my soul by fasting” (Psalm 69:10). “Your fasting should not be obvious to others, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-18)
Whatever our chosen fast, let it bring healing to the hearts, minds and souls of ourselves and to others.
Blessings,
Tom