First Discourse in Matthew: Fasting

“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 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. ~ Matthew 6:16-18
When the flesh is satisfied it is hard to pray with cheerfulness or to devote oneself to a life of service which calls for much self-renunciation.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

We Lutherans aren't big on fasting. We ARE big on potluck dinners. (well, except Dietrich Bonhoeffer!)

 Our Lenten fasts generally mean giving up chocolate or coffee, alcohol or meat.

 I have Muslim friends who know what is means to fast. Their month of Ramadan is spent fasting from dawn to sunset. And for the last few years, it took place during late spring - when days were long.

 I asked one of my friends what it was like, how she got through it. She pretty much shrugged. It was just so ingrained in her life. She didn't complain, but she did smile and say that she always enjoyed her evening meals during Ramadan.

 She didn't call attention to it. She didn't expect people to even ask her about it.

 She just lived it. Lives it. And through it, she opens herself up to something larger than herself.

 There are many reasons to fast: spiritual reasons, health reasons, solidarity with the malnourished.

  And if they aren't part of our experience, they might be something to make us groan.

 But when our life is satisfied - full - what might we be missing? What might there not be room for?

 If we are willing to try...willing to quietly give up something as a way to open us up to a possibly of something more, something new, something God, who knows what we might find in the silence of our hearts?
Prayer: What need I give up to let you in, Lord?

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