This evening, we embark upon a sacred journey, a spiritual expedition, a mystical quest towards Great and Holy Pascha. Most of us look forward to this season, and rightfully so, because it is viewed as an opportunity to mend and renew our relationship with Christ. Yet, there are some who remain pensive, dreading the aspects of self-denial and sacrifice in giving things up during Lent.
Scripture depicts fasting as something good and positive; a practice that is profitable and beneficial to one’s spiritual life. It is not mandated or policed but undertaken personally and voluntarily. And because it is intrinsically linked to one’s prayer life, it becomes an external indicator of an inward return to God – a sign of humility, an act of contrition.
Fasting is NOT meant to punish the flesh, nor to somehow appease God, but a means by which we can be set free from the passions, cares, and concerns that bind us to the world and all that diverts our focus and attention away from Christ.
