Finding a balance between Fasting and Feasting: Advent Day Seven 07/12/24
Welcome to day seven of our Advent devotional series! As we journey deeper into this sacred season, let's explore the profound interplay between fasting and feasting, which holds remarkable relevance in our modern world.
The Historical Context
The tradition of fasting, broadly speaking, emerges from the Church's ancient wisdom of preparation through self-denial. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord in the wilderness, we too are called to prepare our hearts through intentional practices. As Scripture reminds us,
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).
He further explains the purpose of fasting in Matthew 9:15, where He says:
Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.
Just as the disciples would fast after Jesus' departure, we too fast in anticipation of His coming. Fasting during Advent connects us to a timeless tradition of preparing our hearts through mindful choices. Think of it like clearing out a cluttered room to make space for something special. Just as we might tidy our homes before welcoming guests, fasting helps us create spiritual space as we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
This isn't about harsh deprivation—rather, it's about stepping back from life's constant noise and distractions that pull us away from Heaven. When Jesus spoke about fasting, He presented it not as a burden, but as a natural response to anticipating something meaningful. Today, this might mean taking breaks from social media, setting aside time for quiet reflection, or being more mindful about our consumption habits. These small acts of self-discipline help us focus on what truly matters during this special season.
Understanding Our Starting Point
The liturgical calendar guides us in knowing when to fast and feast during Advent. Traditionally, weekdays are times for fasting and reflection, whilst Sundays are "mini-Christmas" celebrations where we feast. This rhythm helps us experience both the waiting and the joy of the season. As Saint Augustine reminds us in simpler terms, fasting isn't just about giving up food - it's about clearing our hearts and minds to make room for God when he said:
Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one's flesh to the spirit renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity.
So it's about clearing our hearts and minds to make room for God. Just as we might clean our homes before welcoming a special guest, fasting helps us prepare our inner selves for Jesus's coming. When we fast mindfully, we create space for deeper spiritual connection, helping us to appreciate the moments of celebration even more.
Making It Real: Practical Steps
In our contemporary context, fasting takes on new meaning. One particularly relevant approach is fasting from over-consumption, especially during a season that has become increasingly commercialized. Consider these practical ways to fast:
- Mindful Food Consumption: Rather than traditional food fasting, consider focusing on reducing food waste and supporting organizations like Mary's Meals that combat world hunger.
- Time and Service: Consider giving up your time for others - perhaps the most valuable gift we can offer.
In our contemporary context, fasting takes on new and profound meaning as we navigate the complexities of modern life. One particularly relevant and transformative approach is fasting from over-consumption, especially during a season that has become increasingly commercialized and focused on material abundance. As we witness the growing emphasis on shopping, accumulating, and excess, the practice of intentional restraint becomes not just meaningful but essential for spiritual growth. Consider these thoughtful and practical ways to incorporate fasting into your Advent journey:
- Mindful Food Consumption: Rather than traditional food fasting, consider focusing on the meaningful practice of reducing food waste in your daily life. This can involve planning meals more carefully, being intentional about shopping purchases, and making conscious choices about eating to be nourished, and eating for satisfaction. Additionally, consider extending this mindfulness by supporting organizations like Mary's Meals that combat world hunger, turning your personal practice into a broader act of social justice and compassion.
- Time and Service: I have said it before this season and i will say it again; consider giving up your time for others - perhaps the most valuable gift we can offer in our fast-paced world. This sacrifice of time could manifest in various ways: visiting elderly neighbours, volunteering at local charities, or simply being more present with family and friends. In our digital age, where time often feels scarce, the intentional offering of our presence becomes an especially meaningful form of fasting.
Today's Reflection
As we reflect on these practices, consider how both fasting and feasting can draw us closer to the mystery of the Incarnation. When we fast, we create space in our lives for God's presence. When we feast, we celebrate the abundance of God's grace.
For reflection:
- What areas of your life feel overcrowded, where fasting might create space for deeper spiritual connection?
- How do your celebrations of abundance reflect God's generosity in your life?
- In what ways might you balance fasting and feasting this Advent season to draw closer to Christ?
Finding Your Own Path
Remember that fasting and feasting take unique forms in each person's spiritual life, shaped by individual circumstances, traditions, and personal devotion. While one person might find deep meaning in abstaining from social media to create space for prayer, another might discover spiritual growth through fasting from negative self-talk. Similarly, feasting can range from sharing elaborate meals with loved ones to celebrating through acts of service and generosity. The essential aspect is not the specific practice you choose, but rather finding meaningful rituals that genuinely enhance your spiritual journey and nurture a profound sense of gratitude - gratitude for times of abundance when we feast, and gratitude for periods of intentional simplicity when we fast. These complementary practices, when approached thoughtfully, can work together to deepen your connection with the sacred during this Advent season.
A Prayer for the Journey
Lord, as we journey through this Advent season, help us find the right balance between fasting and feasting. Grant us wisdom to know when to empty ourselves and when to celebrate Your abundance. May our fasting create space for Your presence, and may our feasting reflect the joy of Your coming. Amen.
Your Personal Invitation
Today, I invite you to choose one meaningful thing to fast from. Let this small act of self-denial become a daily reminder of the greater purpose of this Advent season - preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Godbless,
Mel
