Good morning…
Because I did not grow up catholic and I have never wrestled competitively like my husband and our sons, I have never fasted. Until yesterday.
A few weeks back, I happened upon these words in the book we are reading for our Spiritual Direction training program. Saint Ignatius of Loyola “spoke not of extended fasts but rather planning, focus and moderation regarding food. He encouraged focussing on the presence of Jesus, slowing down and using moderation when eating and drinking. In short, Ignatius would encourage you to eat contemplatively while journeying through (Lent). You are invited to choose one meal (lunch or dinner) each week and apply any or all of the following: eating slowly, eating in silence, eating in moderation (eating less than you normally do), and drinking water and no other beverage.
Additionally, if you are physically able, fast (if in doubt, please visit your doctor before beginning a fast). I encourage you to seek to fast from food – having just water and fruit juice – for an entire day each week… Start your fast at sunset… In the late afternoon, have a light meal of fruit and vegetables, and then commence your fast. Conclude your fast the next day at sunset, having another light meal… Use the time you would normally be eating for prayer and reflection on the sacrifice, obedience, and love of Jesus. In addition to food, you might want to fast from television, music or other electronic distractions during this twenty-four-hour period so you can be singly focussed.” (Larry Warner’sJourney with Jesus, 218)
Having been on spring break for four nights with my high school senior, her closest friends, and their fun, fantastic parents (a vacation upon which I definitely did not fast from food or drink), I decided I would begin my first fast with two packs of airplane peanuts on our 5:25 pm return flight home. As I skipped dinner and my regular glass of red wine, I wondered, “God, how is this going to be for me?” As I woke in the morning I rested in bed, contemplated how much more than food Jesus had sacrificed for me. Slowly beginning my day, I fudged the rules a bit, forgoing food while savoring each sip of my two mugs of black coffee. By mid morning, I had some water. By mid afternoon, I drank some green vegetable juice. By late afternoon, I felt tired, so I climbed into bed with our dogs, meditating on Jesus’ loving presence with me as I drifted to sleep. Waking up, I drank some vitamin water before walking with a friend, enjoying together God’s gorgeous gift of “sunny and seventies.” To my surprise, the day evaporated in calm contentment. I felt spiritually supported to face my fear of hunger, of cravings, of not having enough.
My son, who is a high school freshman, chose Shane’s Rib Shack for our mother/son dinner, so I stopped on the way to get a Doc Green’s salad with which to break my fast. As I took my first bite in twenty-four-hours, I felt grateful for my increased trust in this truth: “With God, I have all I need.”
When you eat or drink or do anything else, always do it to honor God (1 Corinthians 10:31, CEV).
…Sue…
