Tuesday 18 February 2025
"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." (vs 17-18)
Background
Fasting was an important Jewish religious practice, used to humbly remember one’s position before God. Like King David who fasted in repentance for his adultery with Bathsheba, individuals might fast to atone for their sins. The whole community fasted on the Day of Atonement to repent their sins. In addition, when the rains were delayed, Palestinian Jews often fasted to try to win God’s favour. The later the rains, the more some fasted.
Jesus taught his disciples to remember that the true purpose of fasting was to remember one’s place before God, not to prove to your community how religious you were. It was about inner life, not outer status. Therefore, he said do not put ashes on your face, which broadcasts to everyone what you are doing.
Today, science teaches us there can be health benefits to a short fast. It gives the body a chance to rest and allows healing and purification processes to take place. This resonates with the creation story, when God created the world in six days, resting on the seventh to appreciate its goodness.
One view of the discipline of fasting its that it's a way of honouring the body that God has given to us, not working it into the ground. An act of self-care. Fasting can have spiritual benefits. Dealing with headaches or hunger pangs reminds us that in living out our God-given purpose, there always will be difficulties and distractions that will try to pull us off course. Fasting can clear the mind, and help deepen our relationship with God.
You can also consider other types of fasting: having a period where you abstain from scrolling and looking at your phone, for example. These practices deepen your intention to be present to God and to one another in the tasks of your day.
To Ponder:
- What has been your experience of fasting from food and how, if at all, have you found it beneficial?
- Are there other ways you have experimented with fasting and what happened?
- Do you think the practice of fasting is important for your relationship with God? What are your reasons?
Prayer
Loving God, thank you for the practice of fasting as one means of your love reaching us. You created us as embodied beings. Help us recognise that what benefits our bodies can enlighten our minds and connect us to your Spirit. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Jenny Ellis
Jenny is a supernumerary Methodist minister. She facilitates a mindfulness community based at her local surgery and also online. She also leads quiet days and contemplative study days. This year's series of online contemplative days entitled Beginnings will be based on the first three chapters of Genesis.