Moment of Meditation: Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)

And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites,
for they disfigure their faces ...
But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
that your fasting may not be seen by others
but by your Father who is in secret.
(Matthew 6:16-18)

Fasting

Fasting is a commanded spiritual discipline designed to promote meditation. Jesus doesn't say, "If you fast." Jesus says, "When you fast." Jesus commands us to fast from time to time. But Jesus doesn't want us announcing our fasting.

Doesn't Lent announce our fasting? No. The Lenten fast prepares our souls for the great celebration of Easter. It focuses our meditation toward Jesus' suffering. It makes us ready for His resurrection.

But Lent isn't the only time we can and should fast. Many Christians have fasted many other times during the year. There are no laws for fasting except to make it a personal matter. Not a public service announcement.

Fasting isn't just depriving yourself of something for a time. Fasting is focusing your energies so that you may better understand your relationship with God. Fasting doesn't always take something away. Fasting can mean adding something to your daily routine. Taking away or adding to, fasting focuses our minds on Jesus. Amen.