Rosemary
The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast. Mathew 9:15 A recent article in the newspaper spoke of a new mode of abstinence for the season of Lent. Cyberfasting is now in vogue, and church leaders are encouraging young cybercitizens to give up their pet virtual hangouts as a Lenten sacrifice. It is heartening to see that the concept of fasting is not in decadence. In fact, it is evolving with changing times, where social media chats probably mean more to Gen Y than heavy non vegetarian meals.
The concept of fasting and abstinence has been an integral part of the Indian psyche from time immemorial. It is practiced across religions- Hindu, Muslim and Christians. While there are differences in the methods adopted, it was largely meant as an atonement for sins, which would, in turn, lead to spiritual gains. From there the practice moved into political prominence, as Gandhiji successfully used it as one of the most powerful tools of the Satyagraha Movement during the Indian freedom struggle. While the reasons for fasting are different in each of these cases, the idea that self-denial empowers the spirit has now gained wide acceptance.
For Christians, the period of Lent has long been accepted as a time of fasting and abstinence. However, with the passage of time, the meaning and importance of fasting as a religious expression of faith, is losing its appeal. Some treat it as a diet break and step on the weighing balance every week of Lent to see if vegetarianism has made a difference. Others have simply abandoned the practice for want of a convincing reason to take it on. Perhaps this is a good time to see whether there are compelling reasons to continue to observe these traditional norms. Is this just a leftover habit of the past generations, or does it still have currency in today’s world?
The Old Testament claims one clearcut reason for fasting— as an act of retribution for the grave sins people commit against God. The story of Nineveh is the best example for this. Jonah’s exhortation and warning of the city’s impending destruction had the most profound effect on its people. The King declared then man and beast would fast and pray and give up evil ways in the hope that God would relent and not destroy them (Jonah 3). The world we live in is equally fraught with evil. Crimes are committed against God, against our fellowmen and even against our natural selves. The period of Lent needs to be taken seriously as a period of retribution if we are to be worthy of His mercy on Judgement Day!
In the New Testament, Jesus fortified Himself by fasting for forty days before the Holy Spirit led Him to be tempted by the devil. On the physical front He was most vulnerable to temptation having become desperately hungry after the long period of starvation. On the spiritual front, the denial had given Him an infallible strength. All three temptations offered by Satan were smashed into smithereens against the steely wall of spirituality that He had built within Himself. Fasting is a powerful tool against the Evil One. Man by nature is vulnerable to evil forces. Through our Lenten sacrifice we can arm and protect ourselves and all those whom we pray for, against the destructive forces of evil that thrive in this world.
One aspect of fasting that appeals to the present generation also, is the understanding that acts of charity make fasting meaningful. A recent WhatsApp message quotes Pope Francis saying that fasting must necessarily be connected to giving. This philosophy echoes all through the Bible. Sacrifices meant nothing to God when compared to good works of charity and mercy. When one gives up a meal, it must translate into an act of charity for those in need. Those who follow this mode of fasting will surely be proving themselves worthy of a rightful place in God’s kingdom.
However, before I conclude, I must also state my own personal reason for fasting during Lent. As we step into the period, we commemorate how the Bridegroom was taken away from us. It is a time of mixed feelings for every Christian. Pain for the kind of suffering and death He endured for our sakes, love for this God who came down to save us and spare us from everlasting punishment, and regret for the many instances of transgression, and finally, gratefulness for His daily presence in our lives. Every time we deny ourselves a meal, or a cyber chat, as the case may be, it creates an opportunity to connect with Him in the Spirit. Whichever form of fasting makes meaning for us, let us take it on and experience the Lord in a very special way, through this season of Lent, and through all the seasons that are yet to come. Let it be our personal token of love for our beloved Lord and Savior.
