Fasting: Why and How
Fasting is a useful tool. It has no merit in and of itself. If we fast from food and certain pleasures, we do this simply to learn more about ourselves and to push ourselves to rely upon God more. Fasting is a test of of the strength of our desire for God. We fast from certain foods, because God is our food, and he nourishes our hearts and sustains our lives. If we want to be very strict, we fast also from alcohol, because God is our comfort and we can be 'drunk' with his presence in prayer. If a husband and wife can mutually agree to it, they can fast from sexual relations because they want to recognize that it is God that is truly the 'bond', 'unity', and source of all that is good in the love between them.
So fasting is simply a means to an end. What is the goal of fasting? Prayer. When Jesus rebukes his disciples for their lack of faith he says, "this kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." We fast because it helps us to leave our preoccupations so that we can seek God.
Fasting connects us to the experience of the Israelites as they left their 'slavery' to the Pharaoh in Egypt. Fasting reminds us of the story of Adam and Eve's first sin through eating. Fasting connects us to the great repentance of kings and prophets in ancient times. Fasting is a practice-throughout many of the religions of the world-in preparation for spiritual visions and revelations. These are the reasons why we fast before the great holy days set up as memorials of Christ's deeds. In the Resurrection Christ frees us from slavery to death and sin; he forgives our sins; he shows us the vision and revelation of the human body and soul restored to life and made into the glory and "light which can never be overtaken by night" (as the priest sings when he brings out the candle in the midst of the darkened Church on Pascha/Easter).
So to recap: fasting is a useful tool and meaningful if it focuses on God and leads to prayer. But how do we do it? Bit by bit. Do we have to do it all? No. Traditionally, the strict rule was to eat no meat, dairy products (cheese, milk, butter), eggs, vertebrate fish, wine (or any alcohol) and oil-perhaps also to eat nothing during the day; and also to abstain from sexual relations. Very few people can or will do all of that. Usually just monks, nuns, widows and some priests. Fasting is simply a matter of challenging yourself to give up some things for the sake of seeking God in prayer. The best thing is to do a little more than you have before. Nobody can or should judge what anyone else does in terms of fasting. If you have never fasted, fast from meat all of Lent or at least on the weekdays. If you have fasted from meat, then try to fast from cheese. And so on. Everyone should, to the best of abilities, challenge themselves. Some people who are taking medication or who have diabetic, metabolic or other problems should simply be practical-follow doctors' orders. We don't fast to 'show strength', but to realize our need for God.
Fasting should always be put aside for the sake of giving or receiving hospitality. When you have guests who may not understand the rules of fasting, don't make a point of keeping the fast. When you are visiting someone's house, eat what is set before you without question and with gratitude. Love and generosity are more important than fasting.
Fasting should free your time: don't cook so much, but come to pray and receive communion more often (see the schedule inside). Learn a little bit about your own heart and soul. Try to desire God more.
Fr. Elijah