Reading: Matthew 9: 14-15
John’s disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Why is that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not? ‘Jesus replied, ‘Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then they will fast.’
Reflection
The question posed by John’s disciples shows us that the people of the Old Testament had a long tradition of fasting as a means of deepening their relationship with God through a life of fasting and prayer. They understood that fasting in its purest form is an abstention of some food that helps us to knock on the door of God’s heart; through grace our senses are opened to the voice of the spirit within and calls forth from us a response of humility and gratitude. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13), and “when you call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Ps. 50:15). The ultimate goal was the glory of God and at times the resolution of a problem or crisis.
Sadly, John’s disciples did not understand that Jesus is the promised saviour,’ I am not the one you imagined me to be; that one is coming after me and I am not fit to undo his sandals.’ ‘(Acts 13:25). Their eyes had not yet been opened (Luke 24:31). They expected Jesus’s disciples to follow a ritual of fasting that was not relevant to them at that time rather than rejoicing in his presence with them and were weighing up His actions through a darkened lens. Jesus reminds them of the need to honour his presence in their midst; a time of suffering will follow but this is not the time to fast. They are to rejoice in his presence and live joyful lives.
There are times when I do not recognise Christ’s presence in the daily events of my life. I may be blind to him in my relationships or in my dealings with others. I may feel his absence in prayer or in my life circumstances and my inner world may feel like a long, barren fast. At these times a period of carefully discerned fasting may cleanse and purify my heart as nothing else can. Some pilgrimage or retreat traditions incorporate periods of fasting as a way for the pilgrim to deepen their prayer and attune their heart more fully to the voice of the holy spirit within. Many speak of the fruits of this spiritual exercise and often feel renewed in their life of prayer and relationship with God. It has led some to make life-changing decisions that have deepened their relationship with God or inspired great humanitarian responses. Today fasting may not be ‘as popular’ as it once was but its spiritual power and value cannot be over-estimated. Pope Francis has often called for periods of prayer and fasting for a cessation of world violence or other crisis and fasting is recognised as an appropriate Lenten response for all Christians. Other faith traditions also fast as a means of atonement for sin or a desire to deepen their life of prayer.
As you enter more deeply into your Lenten journey do you believe that fasting may help you to deepen your life of prayer. It may be helpful to plan your periods of fasting, to select scripture or music passages that help to deepen this prayer experience for you or your family. Be assured of the presence of the bridegroom with you in your fast and of his great desire to draw you ever closer to himself.
You may wish to set aside a donation box for a charity that supports people who through economic or climatic causes are forced to fast regularly.
Prayer Fasting from all that draws me away from you, May you heals the blindness of my soul.Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may joyfully ring out your name. Amen
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