Lenten Devotions

Thursday, February 7

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.
Matthew 6: 16-18

Historically, the Lenten season has included prayer and fasting for Christians. Prayer is one matter (we’ll talk about that later), but fasting seems to have gone completely out of fashion. People are ready to say, “Yes, Jesus!” and be wary of public piety, of those public display of faith that call attention to one’s “holiness,” that set one apart for one’s own glory, rather than for the glory of God.

Maybe we need to pause for a second here though. Jesus did not saying fasting is bad. In fact, he seems to assume that you are going to do it some time or other. Why have we lost the practice? What gift might we foolishly have tossed aside?

Maybe fasting can be seen as a kind of making room, of emptying out our physical selves and of drawing out an awareness of our great dependence on what is outside of us. We need food to live. We really enjoy food. We do not want to do without it.

What else do we need? What sort of hungers within us have we failed to notice while we stuff our faces? We know that other people are hungry, but do we really feel any solidarity or empathy with them? Fasting can open us so that we notice ourselves, our world, our God in new ways.

No, we don’t require fasting. If fasting leaves you feeling resentful or self-righteous, it’s not the spiritual practice for you. But is it something you should try?

A Practice: Here’s one way to try fasting. Skip breakfast and lunch one day. Drink plenty of water, but use the time you would have spent preparing and eating your meals to pray. Some people donate the money they would have spent on the food to a food pantry or other hunger-fighting group. When you think of food, turn your thoughts to God, and see what happens. Break your fast with a light supper.

For more information or to continue the conversation, write to Katie at katherinekinnison@covenantpcusa.org.

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