“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Mt 6:14
Great and Holy Lent has now begun, now is the time to make a significant change within our very persona; sanding down our rough edges to prepare for the King of Glory to enter our being - aligning our hearts with His in order to bring humanity onto himself for He is Emmanuel.
Many people unfortunately have missed the whole point of the Lenten fast. They believe that it’s a rigorous church tradition they must adhere too because their parents or grandparents have instructed them with such a subscription!
Why do we fast? Does God need us to fast? Do all have to fast?
In the past within this Holy season of lent I recall several people saying, “well for lent I'm going to give up chocolate” or “I’m going to give up social media.”
Now for the rigorists out there that live by the book, they would considered thus being invalid due to a tokenistic stance of fast.
Hence, let us take this particular scenario and look at it under a microscope so to speak/write.
If we have a person that can not go for a day without having a coco hit, or a person glued to their phone constantly on social media, giving up such addictions however necessary in modern terms is a fantastic idea for in giving up or limiting the usage during lent is truly worthwhile as such modern means may have a tendency to master them. Thus via such pursuits (giving up such) may have a less of an impact in distracting them from growing in the faith they profess.
However, if the person is such a one who has a bar of chocolate or uses social media once in a blue moon, then perhaps such should think of other things that impede them in daily life for example “ a sharp tongue" and endeavour to tame thus during the Lenten observance otherwise as is norm “the puritans” rigorists are entitled to say that their fast ( the minimal practice of giving up things that are not important in growth) is a sham!
Contemplating on the fast, it is only right and just that we as Christians should make more of an effort during this Holy season! After all, Christ endured bitter pain for our sake; aultimaly going to His voluntary suffering in ascending the wood of the cross. Yet, may I point out that the medieval practice of mortification is totally against the incarnation and religious zealots must learn that no mortification can match that of the Lord nor does he desire us to go through unecessary strife – the only validated witness were and are the martyrs of the Church!
The reason why the church fathers encourage us to fast is very simple, a healthy body encourages a healthy mindset and in turn along with our faith in Christ: we may attain a healthy soul!
Unfortunately, some clergymen love the notion of priests knowing everything whilst leaving the laity ignorant. Such individuals thrive off believing they know it all, and this gives them a thrill – rendering them on a superior level. May I point out that we should fast for ourselves in order to improve our relationship with God! God does not need our fasting! Forgive me for sounding a tad protestant in this regard eg: once saved always saved!
In all honesty, we should ponder on the act of fasting as a physical reminder in what is to come, the Holy Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ – as our Tridum services aspire: the anticipation of the glory to come!
If however, if the fast begins to become unbearable and we unleash bitter resentment onto others around us especially within the family unit: that’s when we should immediately take a step back and review how we are using this time of lent as the time for growth reeccohed within the prostration prayers of St. Ephraim of Syria.
Hence, if our Lenten observance is not going according to plan: STOP immediately and seek help from your priest! He will give you the knowledge and means for a fruitful fast which shall Harvest at Holy Pascha.
Furthermore, if a person is elderly, pregnant or is on medication that requires food to be taken with it, then the fast does not apply to that person as the Canons (Church Rules) prescribe the relaxing of the fast! May I also indicate that this also applies with the reception of Holy Communion!
“Moreover, when you fast to dot be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to be men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” Mt 6:16
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