The Rector Writes

Dear Friends,

As Lent begins, we hear again in the gospels about fasting: giving up something that we are depending on in order to reduce our dependence on these things and to remind ourselves of our true dependence on God alone. In this way we become aware of how easily things distract us from what really matters.

For Jesus, fasting was central to his own life: the gospels record many places where fasts and encourages others to do so as well. In the past, people fasted very strictly, giving up meat, eggs and many animal products, but nowadays we can see fasting in a better perspective: not just food, but other things that we might be depending on. Here are a few suggestions:

Food: Alcohol, Coffee (try tea or some other low-caffeine drink if you get headaches), dairy (milk and cheese), Junk foods (chips, snacks, excessively salty food), sweets (plus refined sugar in general).

Media: TV, movies, computer, email (set an auto responder), Internet, magazines, radio, the phone (leave your cell phone off when appropriate), handheld computers, video games, and other technology ....

Other Things: You may want to fast from certain relationships, or people in general, choosing instead to walk alone with God for a period. You may also fast from social events, parties, or clubs, if you regularly go out of your way for that kind of gathering.

Days: Leave it all behind: leave junk food, TV, cars, noise, and all the media and messages of the culture. Pack the very minimum (water, warm clothes, etc.) and find a trail, or a beach, and feast on God.

In short, we should strive to imitate Jesus, who took whole days to walk alone in the wilderness fasting and praying .... Give God the time and the room that He wants. God wants to fill you up, wants to bless you. If we are constantly pouring other stuff into our heads or stomachs, there will be little room for God.

None of these are compulsory. Remember that the important thing is to take away distractions, to focus instead on the mercy, salvation, and comforting provision of God. Make time and space for God, and God will meet you.

Yours in his service

Andrew

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