This month’s question is: ‘Fasting is one of the Lenten sacrifices. Have you ever fasted?’
The Rev Kate Vivers, auxillary minister, Annandale and Eskdale Presbytery
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“The symbolism of food plays a large part in all religions, but the abstaining from food – or fasting – was not a central issue in the teachings of Jesus, and he never commanded his disciples to fast – although as a feature of Judaism – he probably assumed they would.
“Lent is a good moment for a spiritual stocktaking, reminding us of the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.
“Fasting is interwoven throughout the whole history of the church. Surprising that in an age where we have the most food and resources ever in history for the most people, only a few people fast regularly!
“Each person’s discipline, of course, will be different but in the spirit of growing deeper in our faith, by ‘adding in’ some extra days of fasting from food [or at least, for some, excluding all but essential nourishment] can also be a ‘giving up’.
“Nowadays our society expects Christians to be transparent in the living out of their spiritual lives, but the inner life of a Christian is just that – a private correspondence with God.
“Matthew 6:16-18 reminds us that there is a right way to fast – that there should not be any change in appearance or behaviour.
“Whatever you choose to do, it should be something which deepens your personal relationship with Christ, and for my part there is certainty that I shall not be joining the band of women known as the ‘holy anorexics’!”
The Rev Arthur Christie, minister at Anstruther linked with Cellardyke, linked with Kilrenny
“Fasting, not a regular habit but one I pick up for one-off situations or simply for a season.
“The first thing I would want to say about fasting is that I love food and it doesn’t come naturally. I remember being at selection school for ministry and being asked: ‘What have you done specifically to prepare for this time?’ My response, among other things was to say I had been praying and fasting for three days before attending.
“Sometimes in my personal life or the life of our church there just seems an imperative to do something more, to go somehow deeper in order to try to discern what God wants or simply to sense more of his presence. Strange that somehow a grumbling tummy has the ability to draw you back from where you are in the day to remind you of his presence.
“There are seasons in the church when it’s just right to fast to explore and connect with the passion journey of Jesus through Lent and to the cross.
“Sometimes joining others in fasting brings a wonderful sense of togetherness, perhaps when seeking direction for church or in support of others. So fasting for me isn’t a regular thing or something that has a regular pattern but rather something very special, entered into at significant times in my life and perhaps, to be totally honest, when I’m at the end of my tether and sense no other way to go.
“I am very grateful that I have not felt the challenge to fast for 40 days and nights, but one day at a time or on occasion three at most seems to work for me!”
The Rev Patricia Ramsay, minister at Dundee: Balgay
“I haven’t ever fasted, for Lent, or any other reason.
“This question therefore challenges me to ask why not? And poses several other questions in the process.
“Fasting to me, means eating minimum amounts of simple, plain food, so I have to ask myself does this really represent any sacrifice? A few weeks without fats and sugars could be extremely good for us, but does it really show any strength of character, or is it just a demonstration of willpower? Does it serve any useful purpose beyond some smug self-satisfaction?
“I have often asked my congregations to ‘take up something new’ for Lent, rather than give up something. In this way, not only do they have an opportunity to share their gifts and talents in service, but also the opportunity to make new friends and learn about others, their cultures and way of life.
“Offering some time volunteering at a local foodbank or homeless shelter for instance, can give a real insight into the poverty that many of us close our eyes to. Spending some time visiting someone trapped at home, unable to leave because of stairs, is a much more valuable way of showing our Christianity than depriving ourselves of treats.
“People choose to fast for a variety of reasons and whilst I know there are benefits, my personal view is, that there are other ways to give service to God and the people he loves.”
The Rev Duncan Eddie, minister at Aberdeen: Holburn West
“When asked: ‘Do you fast?’ I have always been able to reply that it is problematic for me. I am an insulin-dependent diabetic so fasting is not impossible but it is more complex. However, I have practised more moderate fasting eg abstaining from snacks, sweets and alcohol.
“There are the benefits enjoyed with a healthier diet eg more energy and a sharper mind along with a greater inclination to pray and meditate.
“Another form of fasting I would recommend on days off and holidays is switching off from social media and the various means of communications. You can set up an automatic reply so that people know you will get in touch later.
“By doing this you have set time and space apart to listen, reflect, pray and concentrate.
“I listen to music a lot. It’s good to have set periods of stillness and quiet as well. Is that another form of fasting? Going out with the dogs for a walk in the woods on a daily basis provides a great opportunity for reflection.
“Fasting and prayer go together.
“We do live in a culture that promotes self indulgence. I’m not suggesting we are to be Puritans.
“Much of Jesus’ ministry and meaningful encounters were at mealtimes.
However, as Jesus withdrew to pray it’s important that we exercise something of that self discipline, whatever form of fasting that maybe. We can benefit from that and be a blessing to others.”
The Rev Martin Fair, minister at Arbroath: St Andrew’s
“I wish I had a bar of Dairy Milk for every time I’d heard someone say, ‘I’m giving up chocolate for Lent!’
“No doubt some of us, myself included, would do well to consume a little less chocolate but we’re in danger of trivialising the business of fasting if we reduce it to nothing more than a calorie count.
“At the very least, if we’re going to deprive ourselves of treats, whether it be chocolate or something else, we should save up the money we’ve saved and finish Lent by sending a gift to a charity or cause that’s dear to our hearts.
“But properly understood, fasting, in whatever shape or form that takes, is about creating time and space to be more intentional about communing with God. Cutting something out may help but not unless at the same time we add something in.
“This year, during the season of Lent I’m going to set aside my social media engagement (sighs of relief from my Facebook friends!) I’ve never measured exactly what that amounts to but I’m guessing it’s between thirty and forty-five minutes a day.
“With that time freed up, I’m going to take up a particular Lenten bible study and accompany that with more deliberate reflective prayer.
“By so doing, my hope is that I’ll be better prepared, inwardly speaking, for the journey through Holy Week and the celebration of Easter that awaits.”
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