Fasting: A Beginning by Scott Lyons

Fasting: A Beginning
Scott Lyons
3/23/2013
The Scriptures never say that everyone must fast. There are fasts commanded in the Scriptures—for particular reasons, times, and people. But there is no general commandment to fast. Then again, there needn’t be. Fasting played an important role in the history and life of the nation of Israel, and it was such a significant part of the lives of Jesus, the apostles, and the early church that it didn’t need to be commanded. In the Sermon on the Mount, the three spiritual disciplines of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting are set before us (Matthew 6:1-18) and have been recognized as integral to our life in Christ from the earliest days of the church. When we fast, we pray and give alms. Fasting is never understood as separate from the other two works.

Now there are some Christians who are obligated to fast by the ecclesial authority they are under. Certain Christian traditions require fasting as an important part of their spiritual lives. Catholic and Orthodox Christians, as well as some Protestant denominations, are required to fast at certain times during the liturgical year (Orthodox Christians more than any others). These obligations are set for our spiritual enrichment, that we might draw nearer to Christ, converting to him. So some Christians are obligated to fast.

Some Christians are not ever obligated by their ecclesial communities to fast, though a communal fast might be encouraged or made available for one purpose or another. In every Christian tradition of which I have ever been a part, however, none has ever viewed fasting negatively. Fasting is viewed as a beneficial practice by all Christians.

We fast because Christians always have fasted and always will. The Scriptures and the history of the church show us that fasting is spiritually beneficial. And while there is no commandment to fast, Christ does not need to preach in order to preach. When we see Christ care for the poor and the marginalized, we understand that we too must care for them. When we see prayer as a necessary part of his life and ministry, then we understand it as necessary for ours. When he fasts, we fast. His very life is proclamation. He is the Word of God.

When we begin to believe that we must fast, how must we fast? We must start small and make little gains in accordance with our strength. If you are like me, you want to jump in with both feet, to be master without ever needing to be an apprentice. But as in all disciplines, we must start in accordance with our strength—or, more precisely, weakness. Begin by choosing Friday for your fast in remembrance of Christ’s crucifixion. In the beginning, replace one meal with a piece of wholesome bread and fruit, or something else light. This is a good beginning. And, importantly, we must fast rightly. We must humble ourselves before God. We must remember that our fasting is not the goal of our life but is important for achieving our goal: “Fasting, vigils, prayers, almsgiving and all good deeds done for the sake of Christ are but means for the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God. But note, my son, that only a good deed done for the sake of Christ brings us the fruits of the Holy Spirit” (Seraphim of Sarov, On Acquisition of the Holy Spirit).

Recognize that your strength is small. Humble yourself before God. And desire, above all things, communion with God and acquisition of the Holy Spirit. If something is done for Christ’s sake, it is done well—even if it is a small thing. So begin quietly but resolutely. If there is any way for you to get spiritual direction and guidance on your path, do so. As you go forward, slowly increase your fast until, perhaps, you eat only one modest meal on your day of fasting, abstaining from meat. This is a good and proper fast. You do not need to fast as Christ or Moses did—those were extraordinary fasts for specific purposes. Although you may physically be able to fast as long as (or longer than) Moses with nothing to sustain you but water, it might be more beneficial to begin slowly and humbly—doing so for Christ. We are in no hurry, no desperate rush, when we fast. Be patient. As you fast, devote yourselves to prayer and giving alms. One simple way to give alms is to calculate how much money an average meal might cost you and give this amount when you fast. So if you do not eat two meals, give the corresponding money to the poor (through your church or a local mission, for instance).

Beginning to incorporate fasting into our lives is a small but important step to take with and toward Christ. Do not do it proudly. Do not do it to be seen by men. Do not do it for your own glory. Do it secretly and humbly for the sake of Christ.