Читать книгу The Sanctuary for Lent 2019 (Pkg of 10) - Juan Huertas - Страница 6

Isn’t this the fast I choose:

releasing wicked restraints, untying the ropes of a yoke,

setting free the mistreated,

and breaking every yoke?

—Isaiah 58:6

Fasting is one of the practices that guides our springing into a deeper life with God. The Christian tradition has mostly fasted from food. We are not alone in this practice, for many other religious traditions see fasting from food as a key practice to connect with the divine. There’s something about the pangs of hunger that remind us of our desperate need for God’s grace and presence.

We know though that fasting from food can be harmful. It can be a way to exercise control in the midst of the uncontrollable, a way to convince ourselves that God’s favor is earned, not a gift of grace, or like the Pharisees of old, a way to show others how spiritual we are.

This Lenten season, remember that fasting is about abstinence. The purpose is to remove distractions so that we can focus on our relationship with God. To take the time to focus on God’s presence in prayer, worship, or service.

Food gathers us and is pivotal to our social lives. There are many other things though that I think might be good things to fast from: gossip, slander, workaholism, spiritual apathy, judgment. The list is endless. In the end if the fast does not help you deepen your relationship with God, self, and neighbor, then it has not been fruitful. It does not matter how many chocolates you give up, or sweets, or swearing, or consuming; if it is not replaced by an intentional practice of connection, then our fasting is for naught. What fast are you going to choose?

Breath Prayer:

Nourishing God, . . . I am hungry for you!