Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Isaiah 58:5
“Let us fast an acceptable and very pleasing fast to the Lord. True fasting is the estrangement from evil, temperance of tongue, abstinence from anger, separation from desires, slander, falsehood and perjury. Privation of these is true fasting.”
Basil of Caesarea (330-379) in Homily I.
When this posts, Jenni and I will be en route to Prague, Czech Republic. We appreciate your prayers for rest and strength for our service in Czech Republic and Ukraine through 5 April 2024.
Isaiah, the prophet, proclaims that fasting must come into view not merely as a physical act, but as an experience that leads God’s people to spiritual transformation, or more specifically, humbling themselves.
Similarly, Basil calls for privation of evil, anger, slander, and falsehood. These represent spiritual fruits we gain from the physical act of fasting.
I pray your experience of Lent this year has led to less eating or social media and more feasting on the Word of God and prayer. Less spending and more giving.
I pray your privation results in spiritual fruits starting with humility coupled with temperance, patience, service, endurance, and rich generosity.