On the Profound Grace and Necessity of #Fasting
Introduction: The Divine Mandate of Fasting
Beloved, we approach the sacred discipline of fasting not as a mere abstention from temporal nourishments but as a profound ascension toward the spiritual banquet laid before us by the Divine. Fasting, according to the revered teachings of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, transcends the simplicity of dietary restriction to embrace a holistic sanctification of body and soul.
The Essence and Origins of Fasting
Fasting, as articulated by the ancient Fathers, is the gateway to spiritual elevation, the nurturing ground for purity and the stronghold of the soul. It was Mar Isaac who illuminated fasting’s honor, declaring it the progenitor of virtue, the companion of chastity, and the wellspring of prayerful tears. This discipline awakens the soul to every noble deed, enriching the devout with divine grace.
The scriptural foundation of fasting is firmly rooted in the life of Christ Himself, who, following His baptism in the River Jordan, retreated into the wilderness to fast and pray. This act sanctifies fasting as a divine ordinance, initiating His public ministry and setting a pattern for all who would follow Him. Thus, fasting is not merely advised; it is a sacred enactment, a replication of Christ’s own spiritual journey.
The Instruction of Fasting from Creation
The command to fast was first given to Adam in Paradise, where the Lord delineated foods permissible and those forbidden. This was not merely about food but a covenant of obedience, setting apart the sacred from the profane. Adam’s transgression through disobedience brought forth the corruption of death, from which we were only redeemed by the Incarnation—Christ, taking flesh, restoring the broken law through His perfect obedience and sacrificial love.
Fasting as Communion with the Divine
Fasting is thus deeply entwined with the narrative of redemption. It is a personal Eden where we, like Adam, are called to obey God’s command, to choose daily between the sacred and the profane. Through fasting, we experience a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, aligning our will with the Divine, healing the wounds of our souls, and preparing us for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The biblical tradition extols fasting as a means of sanctification. The Prophet Joel calls the faithful to return to God with fasting, weeping, and mourning, emphasizing fasting’s role in repentance and divine reconciliation. Through this sacred act, we humble ourselves, thus allowing God to exalt us in due time, healing and sanctifying our fallen nature.
Fasting: A Shield Against Temptation
The physical aspect of fasting, the denial of bodily appetites, serves a higher purpose—it subdues the flesh to the spirit, training us to resist temporal temptations and focus on the eternal. As Saint David lamented, the afflictions he endured in fasting brought his prayers closer to his heart, deepening his communion with God. This bodily discipline leads to spiritual liberation, breaking the yokes of sin and restoring us to our original dignity.
Conclusion: The Call to Embrace Fasting
Therefore, dear faithful, let us embrace fasting not as a burdensome law but as a joyful offering to God, a means of grace that refines our souls and draws us nearer to the Divine. Fasting, instituted by God and hallowed by Christ’s example, stands as a beacon that guides us back to the path of righteousness, purging our sins and elevating our hearts to the throne of grace.
As we fast, let us hold fast to the promise that through this sacred discipline, we are transformed, made new, and prepared to inherit the kingdom prepared for us from the foundation of the world. Let us fast, then, not as those who have no hope, but as those assured of the resurrection to come, where the fruits of our temporal sacrifices will be revealed in eternal glory. Amen.
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always.
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