Fasting
Fasting for the right reasons
The Lord condemned the Pharisee, not because he
fasted, but because his motivation was based on pride. The Pharisee wished to
be seen by men, and he had no fear of God. He dared to stand before the Lord in
pride and arrogance, while the Publican stood afar off, beating his breast,
begging for the Lord’s mercy. Whereas the Publican saw his sins, and repented,
the Pharisee stood before the Lord in arrogance, thinking he was better than
other men. He did not desire to commune with God, but to be honored by men.
As we observe the Great Lenten fast, let us imitate
the Publican, who saw himself as the worst of sinners, and who begged God’s
forgiveness. Let us keep the fast, not to be seen by others, but to make way
for the Lord. Let us shun meat, dairy, and fish, because we love God, and
desire to be drawn closer to Him, emptying ourselves of earthly pleasures.
Let us embrace the Fast as an opportunity for
self-limitation, abstinence and self-emptying. Let us bear the cross in
self-crucifixion, dying to self as we put on Christ. We dare not think we are
Christians if we refuse to fast, for bearing our cross is the only way we can
be true followers of Christ.
Let us embrace the fast, knowing, “fasting appears
gloomy until one steps into its arena. But begin and you will see what light it
brings after darkness, what freedom from bonds, what release after a burdensome
life… (Saint Theophan the Recluse).”
Finally, let us be mindful that, “fasts and vigils,
the study of Scripture, renouncing possessions and everything worldly are not
in themselves perfection, as we have said; they are its tools. For perfection
is not to be found in them; it is acquired through them. It is useless,
therefore, to boast of our fasting, vigils, poverty, and reading of Scripture
when we have not achieved the love of God and our fellow men. Whoever has
achieved love has God within himself and his intellect is always with God (St
John Cassian).”
Love
in Christ,
Abbot
Tryphon
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