When was the last time you fasted? For me it’s been years. Mainly as I’ve been fighting an auto-immune disorder. But perhaps there are other ways to fast. No more excuses.
And just as I have slipped into fasting less, somehow the practice has slipped away culturally as well. When was the last time you fasted? When was the last time you practiced group fasting as we see in Acts 13?
But that’s not what Jesus is talking about. Fasting was normal in the day. Religious elite fasted twice per week and they were sure to let others know of their piety.
16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
People around you will always know you are fasting. You don’t show up to meals or if you do, you don’t eat. It’s Ok to let family know so they aren’t wondering if you are sick.
The issue here is when you fast, keep it hidden as best as you can between you and God. Fasting isn’t for self-pity and for others to see how righteous you are. Fasting is a time of communing with God in repentance, generosity, connection with God, seeking answers and more. It’s a time between you and God. Not you and the rest of the world.
One of the most disgusting things is religious piety. The boasting of one’s righteousness. The more we know and experience God, the more we will understand that we have nothing to boast about. We are sinners on levels we cannot even imagine.
So practice fasting.
Do so quietly.
And connect with the Lord.