Tuesday March 12

Matthew 4:1-11

Heather Awad

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished.

Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness to prepare for his ministry. If you talk to friends of differing “God faiths” in modern times, you know that there are different styles of fasting. Twenty-four hour blocks, daytime only, and others exist.

When I was 26, the Muslim fasting and prayer month of Ramadan started at the same time as Lent, so I was inspired to do a Muslim-style, but Christian, fast for Lent (you have to research the rules so this is a medically safe thing to do). Sunrise to sunset, I didn’t eat or drink anything for a few weeks. Here’s what I thought.

1. It demanded my attention. I got used to fasting, but some days I felt thirsty. I dreamt of food during weekend afternoon naps. I needed to cook healthy meals for sundown daily.

2. It was humbling. I had that fasting ketone breath and coworkers were suddenly needing the breath mints from their pockets and offering me one, which I couldn’t take.

3. It was joyful! I felt very focused and cozy and prayerful in my Christian faith with this fast, and I enjoyed evening meals with friends more than usual.

While I only fasted that one year, it has enriched all of my Lenten seasons since then.

Questions for Reflection:

• If you’ve given something up, or added something in, does it spark your attention every day to make this a more mindful season?

• What are the joys of Lent? Are they community joys, personal, or both?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help us to feel focused on our faith this Lenten season, and to enjoy a closer relationship with you.  Amen.