Fasting in the Christian Tradition
As the Lenten season is closing for Orthodox Christians, they have been all too familiar with fasting. Shrimp dinners and almond milk have been a staple of my own diet. Fasting is, of course, not limited to Orthodox Christians. Muslims, Hindus, and Jews fast as well. However, Christianity has an approach to fasting that sets it apart from other religions. Fasting is a part of our practical and spiritual life, and has been a part of the Christian tradition since the life of Christ. By knowing the purpose of fasting, we can grow in our faith and better understand what it means to be a follower of Christ.
In general, fasting means abstaining from food for some purpose. Different Christians have different ways of fasting. The most prominent forms of fasting are the distinct practices of Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Many Protestant Christians also practice a form of fasting by giving something up for Lent. However, despite 70% of Americans celebrating Easter, only 16% observe Lent—meaning that comparatively few actually fast. In order to grow as Christians throughout the liturgical year, it is important not only to recognize the feasts and holidays, but to prepare for them by fasting, prayer, and repentance. Celebration and sacrifice are both essential aspects of a holistic Christian life.
Christians fast for several purposes. One reason is that it helps us control our passions. Desire is not bad in and of itself; however, it must be geared toward God rather than the individual ego. By denying ourselves pleasure in rich food, we are overcoming our own wills in order to be in accordance with God’s will. Controlling our passions of hunger helps us learn how to control our more destructive passions. Another purpose of fasting is that by denying ourselves rich food, we are emptying ourselves and generating a hunger. This hunger is not to be filled by the objects of this world, but by God. We do not fast to show off to others our test of will, but to further unite with God. As Jesus said, “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry” (John 6:35). The pains from hunger are temporary, what is important is the eternal unity with God.
When in the desert alone, Jesus first fasted for forty days and forty nights, but He did not only abstain from food. There were three temptations of the devil. The first was to make stones into bread. Jesus responded with “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). The second was to throw Himself down to prove He was the Son of God. Jesus responded with “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matt. 4:8). The last was for Jesus to bow down and worship the devil. Jesus once again responded, saying “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only” (Matt. 4:10). These three examples show how fasting is at first the controlling of one passion, but it aids us in managing other passions and sins, such as pride. Christ Himself fasted, and to become like Him we should fast as well.
Fasting is a crucial aspect of Christian life. It enables us to take control of our own lives while also growing closer to God. It was even practiced by God Himself, who showed us the Way to salvation. By denying our desires and submitting to God, we can become like Him. However, fasting is not the end; it is a preparation for the coming of Christ. When in the presence of the Bridegroom, we do not fast, but instead feast with the Lord. This is why we feast after Lent, to signify the abundance in the world to come. Christians cannot only feast nor only fast, we must orient ourselves to God by sacrificing our own will, by both feasting and fasting at the appropriate times. This enables us to acknowledge and celebrate the greatest sacrifice and triumph of all: Christ’s crucifixion and triumph over death.
“What Are Americans Giving up for Lent 2021? | YouGov.” Today.yougov.com, today.yougov.com/society/articles/34230-what-are-americans-giving-up-lent-2021. Accessed 1 May 2024.