WATCHWORD:
And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18
I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. Daniel 10:3
Meditation:
Fasting Time?
The Lenten season. In German this holy season, starting with Ash Wednesday, is referred to as Fastenzeit, which translates “fasting time”. Which raises the question, what really is fasting, from a faith standpoint? Fasting, in general, is a form of self-denial, denying ourselves as Christ denied Himself. It often refers to restrictions on eating specific foods such as meat. During Lent you often find restaurants offering meatless options and many believers seek out meatless recipes to cook at home.
Over the years, in my church, we speak of denying ourselves something we eat and/or enjoy. In some churches, and for many individual believers, fasting may extend beyond food. You might consider abstaining from drinking anything other than water, or refraining from a hobby you enjoy, or indulging in activities like watching television. The point is to focus our attention away from our comfort and from satisfactions so that we are better able to concentrate on God and what Jesus has done for us.
If you were a totally committed Catholic, there are guidelines that you are expected to follow beginning with Ash Wednesday through Good Friday, and you may not eat any meat during all Fridays of Lent. The rather extensive rules for fasting by the Roman Catholic Church have been altered, in recent centuries, to specifically exclude children under the age of 14.
Not to make fun of the whole idea of fasting, I have friends who have fasted from eating sweets any time during the Lenten season. In past years I’ve often jested about giving up liver and onions for lent, an entree I would rarely order, and I would prefer not to give up sweets. The idea of a full fast was just too much for me. Call me a sinner.
The focus of Lent and fasting then is a reminder of all that Christ went through for you and me, and how our belief in Him is the key to eternal life. Whether you give up liver and onions, or sweets, or drinking wine, or practicing your hobby, whatever you deny yourself, the purpose is to focus on your mind on Christ.
Were you there among those who attended church on Ash Wednesday and received the smudge of ashes on your foreheads? The ashes are not a sign of fasting but of dying. Symbolically they are a public and open confession of mortality that announces that you are ‘grave bound’. When you hear the words “For you are dust and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19), and you confess that Jesus took on your mortal dust, your mortal sin, and in doing so he made His cross a true tree of life for you, for me, and for all who believe. So be it.
Lenten Thought for the Day:
Since Jesus is God’s promised Messiah, we can totally proclaim Him to all who will listen. Hallelujah!
Prayer of the Day:
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who come to You. Create in us new and contrite hearts that seeking forgiveness for our sins and acknowledging our sinfulness we may receive from You full pardon and forgiveness through Jesus Christ Your son, in whose Name we pray. Amen.
Reminder — Remember, my friends, I have changed the schedule of Watchwords to Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Lent. — Stan
