A Word From the Pastor (March 2009)

Dear Friends in Christ,

In this season of Lent, we are urged to embark on a journey of reflection and self-evaluation. Lent is a time to reassess our relationship with God and seek profound ways to strengthen our relationship with the Holy One. Lent is a season of penitence, a time to turn away from sin and turn towards God. One of the ways we grow in our connection with God is through rituals of fasting. You may recall that in ancient days, when the people of Israel fell away from the Lord, the prophet Joel invited them to express their remorse and return to the Lord "with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." (Joel 2:12b) In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of fasting as an expected form of faithful piety along with prayer and giving alms. (Matthew 6:1-15) Jesus reminds us that all our acts of devotion are done to the glory of God and out of love for the Lord. Our intention is never to gain favor or attention from others, but rather to please God. Fasting is one way in which we draw near to God and show God our devotion. Fasting is an ancient Judeo-Christian practice that blesses us still today.

Now, there are many ways to fast. Often we think of fasting as going without food for a certain period of time, but this is not the only way to fast. The popular question of this season, "What are you giving up for Lent?" is really a question about fasting. Whether you give up food one day a week, or refrain from meat on Friday, whether you deprive yourself of chocolates or candy or desserts, or refrain from fun technologies or favorite recreations (no TV, no video games, no i-pod, no bowling or racquetball), the point is to exercise self-control for the sake of your faith, to sacrifice something you love, need, or enjoy out of a greater love for God. Fasting is not a form of devotion that is reserved for the super-spiritual. Fasting can be a simple, accessible way of developing one's faith for the most ordinary believer.

Fasting is of value because it opens several windows to spiritual growth. First and foremost, the experience of fasting pushes us to focus on God. For those fasting from food, every growl of the stomach makes one think of God. For those refraining from a particular pleasure, each act of self-restraint is a reminder of one's love for God. Second, the experience of fasting can create greater room in our lives for the Lord. While skipping a meal, I give myself more time to pray. By turning off the TV set, I make time to open the bible and study God's word. While passing up that bowling game, I create time for the worship of God or for service to someone God calls me to help. Fasting from earthly things creates more space in our daily lives for heavenly things. Third, the experience of fasting is valuable training in self-discipline. Fasting helps us cultivate self-control. Surely it is an accepted truth that an athlete cannot train his or her body to excel in a particular sport without discipline. A team cannot rise to championship status without regular workouts. A musician cannot refine his or her talent without rigorous practice. A play cannot be brought to the stage without diligent rehearsal. As in other areas of life, so also the spiritual life requires commitment, discipline, self-sacrifice, and self-control. We cannot grow in our relationship with God or our service of Christ without training ourselves to handle the rigors of Christian devotion and service. Fasting is a tool for developing attitudes and abilities that strengthen our walk with God. Finally, fasting can help free up our resources for the work of God. I can fast from lunch and use the money I save to support a food pantry. I can give up my daily Starbucks coffee or Dunkin donut and use the resources I save to help the homeless. I can turn off the TV and use the savings on my electric bill as a gift to One Great Hour of Sharing. Fasting provides opportunities to redirect resources in a more Christlike direction. Fasting can be a blessing to the individual, the church, and the world at large.

In this season of Lent I urge you to think about your relationship with God and your commitment to Christ's service. Reflect on your own devotional life and consider how the practice of fasting might strengthen your faith and help to bless the world in which you move and work for Christ. May God bless you with a Holy Lent and prepare you for a rich journey of faith in the days ahead.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Peggy Ann Sauerhoff