This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on you own. — Isaiah 58:6-7
This coming Wednesday, most of the Christian world begins the season of Lent. This 40-day period is set aside in order to spiritually prepare oneself for the celebration of Easter. In celebrating the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus, we want to be as close to God as we can possibly get. Thus, during this time, members of the church are encouraged to engage in a number of practices that will help to achieve this end. One of the common practices of Lent is that of “fasting.”
To fast is to purposely do without something that you would normally have. It is mostly associated with eating. To not eat as much as you would usually do is fasting. There are days during this time where people are encouraged to eat less. And for Catholics especially, Fridays are days in which meat is not to be eaten. But you can “fast” from all sorts of things. This has led to the common practice of “giving up something” for Lent. Many people will choose to give up something that they enjoy, such as candy. Or they may give up an activity that they like, such as watching TV or going to parties.
But why do this? Our fasting should not be for personal or for selfish reasons. It is not so we will look better or feel better after we’re done. And it is not meant that we will go back to being the same person when we are done. Fasting is meant to have a higher purpose. Our actions should lead to the world being a better place. Historically we have seen a number of people fast in order to promote a cause of justice. Two examples of this would be Gandhi and Dick Gregory. Whenever they announced a fast, it was in order that some act of injustice would be brought to light, and people would be moved to eliminate it.
Our fast during Lent may not have that kind of historical consequence, but even our small fasts can help make the lives of people better. It all goes back to the saying: “Deprive the body to strengthen the spirit.” When we purposely deprive ourselves from physical pleasure, we increase our chances of becoming more in tune with spiritual realities that are really important.
Take a look again at the quote from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah at the top of this column. It takes a strong spirit to do the kinds of things listed there. People who strive to do those things tend to face opposition, or the task seems so overwhelming that it wears them down, or it becomes really easy to lose hope. Will we have what it takes to break the yoke of oppression this society has placed on so many people? Our fasting needs to make us strong enough in spirit so we will be able and willing to do what God is saying here. Our fasting should lead to improving the lives of others. That’s the kind of fasting God wants.
Dr. Kenneth Taylor is pastor of Holy Angels Catholic Church and St. Rita Catholic Church. He can be reached at fatherkt@mailhaven.com.
