Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast. Mark 2:19-20
“Abba Cassian related the following: ‘The holy Germanus and I went to Egypt, to visit an old man. Because he offered us hospitality we asked him, “Why do you not keep the rule of fasting, when you receive visiting brothers, as we have received it in Palestine?” He replied, “Fasting is always to hand but you I cannot have with me always. Furthermore, fasting is certainly a useful and necessary thing, but it depends on our choice while the law of God lays it upon us to do the works of charity. Thus receiving Christ in you, I ought to serve you will all diligence, but when I have taken leave of you, I can resume the rule of fasting again.”
Abba Cassian (360-435), one of the desert fathers, in The Sayings of the Desert Fathers, translated by Benedicta Ward (Kalamazoo: Cistercian, 1975) 112.
When we fast, we set aside our desires. It prepares us for works of charity when God gives us opportunity. When we receive Christ in others with all diligence, we practice hospitality. This is generosity.
What desires might you set aside today? This is the activity that makes us ready for generosity. Now, what would it look like for your to show hospitality with charity?
Sit with the Lord. Think of the people in your life like the old man in this account who had time for you. They made space to share with you and bless you.
How might this inspire you to fast? It is a “useful and necessary thing” because it teaches us to create space in our lives to receive Christ in others.