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Fasting means deliberately putting ourselves in a state of need, a state of dependence. That’s part of the deep wisdom of fasting. 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.
Do we need to take on a spiritual practice like fasting? No. Spiritual practices aren’t taken on to propitiate an angry God or to lay claim to God’s grace. They are lenses through which we can see God’s grace more clearly. Fasting – from choosing to eat one full meal and two smaller meals a day to abstaining from treats like fancy coffee or a favorite candy — reminds us of the spiritual lives of God’s people throughout scripture. Fasting also invites us to develop a certain tolerance for discomfort.
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 excerpted from “The spiritual practice of fasting” by Sarah Scherschligt in the March 2017 Café online magazine. Today is Transfiguration Sunday.