The Importance of Fasting

We have given our time and money to this university, only to be faced with term papers and all-night study sessions. But the reward, the promise of a better life and a more fulfilling career, keeps us going. We understand well the value of giving a part of ourselves to gain something much greater.

It’s three weeks into the Lent season, and several NT students are testing the principle of sacrifice by fasting.

Fasting is when you give up something you really like temporarily and pray about it to gain a fresh perspective on life and a little divine insight.

When I mentioned fasting last year, I would get blank stares. Lately, however, the concept of fasting is becoming a recurring subject in pop culture and is more commonly understood.

The new movie, “40 Days and 40 Nights,” adds to the awareness. The main character (portrayed by Josh Hartnett) vows to give up sex for Lent. Although this movie is another “American Pie” wannabe, it’s nice to see attention paid to a forgotten practice. But they may as well include a disclaimer reading, “Dramatization. Do not attempt fasting at home.”

Along with the growing popularity of fasting is Mardi Gras. The holiday, as most of us know, means the “Fat Tuesday” before Lent. To make a long historical sketch short, faithful Catholics entering a church-mandated fast were allowed one night of excused indulgence. The New Advent, a Catholic encyclopedia, in an entry about Mardi Gras states, “It is intelligible enough that before a long period of deprivations, human nature should allow itself some exceptional license in the way of frolic and good cheer.”

Who’s to say there’s no cheer in self-deprivation? That would depend on your definition of cheer. Is your happiness in sex, alcohol, or wild parties? Or are you content with who you are, even in the absence of entertainment?

Fasting is an ancient practice in many religions, regardless of how it is percieved. But do not enter a fast for personal glory. Jesus, for instance, gave sound advice for those who enter a fast with a selfish motive.

“When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast… appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:16-18).

So for those of us on campus who are still trying to pull together every ounce of self-discipline to continue our solitary attempts to deny the persuasive forces of greed and indulgence, may we proceed with a pure heart.

My fast isn’t too spectacular. I gave up carbonated beverages. I didn’t do it for Lent, but as part of a prayer I say every night for a single mother I love dearly.

Before you laugh at how petty my sacrifice is compared to the sacrifice a new mother must make, I have learned how addicted I was to caffeine. I no longer suffer from constant headaches, and I’ve saved at least $60 from not buying cokes! It’s not much, but I learned how moderately spoiled I am. That $60 can be better spent elsewhere, perhaps to help her new baby (although it’s probably going to the proposed athletics fee instead).

If you haven’t ever fasted, I would encourage you to do so. You would be blessed, not only from seeing things from a different perspective, and not only by strengthening your self-discipline, but by God who will reward faithfulness.