Turkey, trimming and time
By FR. JOHN BAIZE
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Christian Church
Are you ready? There are few times during the year that have more activities to plan for than the one we are entering into. We will have school programs to attend, church presentations to see, family meals to indulge in, gifts to buy and wrap for family and friends, cookies to make, funds to stretch for these things, and the list goes on and on.
How do we do it? Often our focus is on the rush — rush here and there with little time to really enjoy the season. Can we even escape it?
Why not pause here, before the flurry of activity begins, and remember what is really important: the incarnation of the Lord. With all there is to be thankful for, this should really top our list.
For many in the world, even before Thanksgiving, preparation is being made for the celebration of our Lord's coming to earth (Advent). They will be "fasting" for 40 days. They will choose not to consume the delicacies most enjoy at this time of the year. From their diets they will remove all meat and dairy products.
This may seem harsh, or even unfair, that now, when there are so many festive occasions to attend, with all the delicacies that are set before them, they must restrict themselves. Yet fasting, in preparation of Advent, has been done by Christians for hundreds of years. It is a question of obedience.
Obedience is fundamental to being a Christian. Jesus asked those who would follow Him, "How can you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?"
In the Old Testament the people of God were taught to remember the mighty acts of God with feasts. For centuries, the time prior to the birth of the Lord (Advent) and His Resurrection (Lent), the people of God have fasted. Times have been set aside for believers to prepare their hearts for these celebrations and feast days. Fasting was a time to examine one's life so as to celebrate the feast with purity.
Fasting remained an expected practice when Christ walked on the earth. Observant, obedient believers were expected to fast at prescribed times. Certain days of the week were set aside for this purpose as well as at other seasons. Fasting was commonly done before great endeavors. Jesus Himself entered a time of fasting before His public ministry commenced.
Controversy broke out when it was observed that Jesus' disciples were not following regular fasting expectations. The Pharisees were quick to point this out. Jesus explained that while He, the bridegroom, was with them, they do not fast. When He is gone, they would fast.
It is important to note that Jesus never condemned or discouraged the practice of fasting but rather addressed its purpose. He assumed that His followers would fast but wanted to be sure they did not arrogantly draw attention to the fact, in order to parade their spirituality before others.
The writings of the early Church fathers demonstrate that fasting continued to be an expected and regular part of living the committed Christian life. Four regular times of fasting were practiced, the longest of which were the Advent fast preceding the celebration of the incarnation of the Lord and the Lenten fast, preceding the celebration of the Lord's resurrection. The Church also prescribed fasting for Wednesdays, in honor of Christ's betrayal, and on Friday, in honor of the crucifixion.
Why fast? Many are discovering the health benefits of fasting. While these are well documented, the primary reason for fasting is not physiological. Amazingly the Church understands that food affects our spiritual condition. You might say that spiritually, we are what we eat.
In particular it is thought that fatty foods feed and encourage the baser instincts of our lives and excite cravings that carry us away form intimacy with God. Recent studies have concluded that food is indeed a drug. Certain foods can directly affect our intellectual functioning. Why is it so hard to believe that certain foods can also affect our spiritual functioning?
In directing believers to fast, the Church affirms the expectation of Christ that all His followers should fast. Fasting is the age-old prescription for spiritual purity. It reveals the extent to which we are enslaved to the things of this world rather than to our Lord. It clears our minds and souls, making way for greater intimacy with God. It is the pathway to obedience and spiritual freedom.
Why not try it? Of course, if you have any health concerns, it would be a good idea to consult your physician before beginning. Subsequent to approval, perhaps fasting from all animal products, meat and dairy one day a week would be a good start. See if this does not awaken and spiritually quicken your heart.
Along with abstaining from these things, it would be good to devote extra time on your fast day to prayer and the reading of scripture. Not only would this subdue the pressures and busy-ness of the season, but may just open the way to greater peace all year long.
