Fasting means deliberately putting ourselves in a state of need, a state of dependence. Without a regular spiritual practice to remind us of our dependence, we can too easily place ourselves at the center of our world. And when we think we are the center of the world, it is nearly impossible for us to truly find connection with others–even with God.
Fasting also invites us to develop a certain tolerance for discomfort.
Throughout Scripture, fasting is often taken on as a community practice, not an individual effort. If we reclaim fasting as a communal practice, we might also find connections with people whom we would not ordinarily associate.
Fasting is a time-honored practice that helps reframe the true priorities of a Christian life: not consumption but generosity; not satisfaction but hunger for justice; not greed but gratitude.
This message is adapted from “The spiritual practice of fasting” by Sarah Scherschligt from the January 2017 issue of Cafe.
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