The Invitation to Fast

Simply hearing the word "fasting" is enough to make us light-headed.

Suddenly, anxiety builds over the imagined rules.

Almost immediately, hunger develops over the assumed exclusions.

Increasing our angst would be the notion of not just "intermittent fasting" but permanent fasting...

a fast that would last,

a fast that would linger,

a fast that would cause us to lose something.

But fear not.

We are invited to consider a true fast,

not as defined by men or women or pop culture -

but by the Word of God

which comes just in time,

but so quietly that we must strain to listen...

"Is not this the fast that I choose:

to loose the bonds of wickedness,

to undo the straps of the yoke,

to let the oppressed go free,

and to break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry

and bring the homeless poor into your house;

when you see the naked, to cover him,

and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,

and your healing shall spring up speedily;

your righteousness shall go before you;

the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’

Isaiah 58:6-9

True fasting is not about self-inflicted pain

but about healing the hurting;

True fasting is not about a public display

but about a private devotion;

True fasting focuses not on emptiness

but on creating room for the fullness of God;

True fasting allows for the fullness of God in us

to be shared with everyone around us.

William Arthur Ward suggests fasting in order to prepare for a feast:

Feast vs. Fast

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ within them. Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life. Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God. Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify. Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude. Fast from anger; feast on patience. Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism. Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation. Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives. Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer. Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance. Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness. Fast from self concern; feast on compassion for others. Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth. Fast from discouragement; feast on hope. Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm. Fast from suspicion; feast on truth. Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire. Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of sincerity. Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence. Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that undergirds.

In this season in which true fasting is brought to our attention,

we are invited to take part -

personally,

privately,

purposefully.

It's as though the All-Giving God is asking: "Which feast are you most hungry to enjoy?"

It's as if the God of All Goodness is patiently seeking: "Which feast may I serve you?"