The Great Fast
By Alice Matisz
While searching for some new or different type of Lenten practice, I discovered a Benedictine website which decried the loss of traditional Lenten practices. Suitably chastened I read the following;
“In the course of the centuries, our fasting discipline has undergone numerous and radical changes. Today, unfortunately, the observance of Lent is but mere formalism, reduced to abstinence on certain days and without any stress on one’s spiritual growth or the amending of one’s life style. It is urgent that we return to the pristine spirit of the Great Fast.”
I was curious about this “Great Fast”. After all, what is so great about fasting? It’s tedious, inconvenient and often makes me “hangry”.
A quick check of Wikipedia (apologies for the lazy research) showed it to be a term for “Lent” in the Byzantine Rite. The Great Fast, which lasts for 40 days, precedes the Great Feastof Christ’s Resurrection. Put that way it’s easier to see why the preparation period is indeed something to feel good about.
I often make the mistake of focusing too much on penance and self-denial during Lent. By contrast, the single purpose of the Great Fast is to grow in holiness. To become more holy we primarily have to become more prayerful. Of course we also have to give up patterns of behavior which can lead to sin but self-mortification simply for its own sake is to be avoided.
Note this interesting difference between the Eastern and Western church observances during Lent.
“While in the West the chanting of Alleluia ceases during Lent, in the East its use is increased. This is because for Christians, fasting should be joyous and the sense of unworthiness must always be tempered with hope in God's forgiveness.” (Wikipedia/Great Lent)
Joyous? Hopeful? Those are not adjectives I normally associate with fasting. But many saints and mystics have testified to the genuine pleasure of forsaking self-gratification and embracing God instead.
“Lent is then not a season of punishment so much as one of healing. There is joy in the salutary fasting and abstinence of the Christian who eats and drinks less in order that his mind may be more clear and receptive to receive the sacred nourishment of God’s word” (Thomas Merton “Seasons of Celebration”)
So in the spirit of fasting with holiness instead of grumpiness or reluctance, I shall try this year to make meaningful sacrifices and always accompany them with Prayer and Joy. I think this will take some effort but I could be mistaken because after all, God our Father sees all that is done in secret and rewards it.
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If you also would like to try a different kind of fast this year, below are a just a few of the many suggestions on the Saint Benedict website. www.saintbenedict.com/item/325-lenten-practices
Corporal or External Practices
Take less of what you like and more of what you dislike at meals today.
Do not use seasoning on your food today.
Take nothing to eat between meals today.
Spiritual or Internal Fast Practices
Don’t make any complaints today.
Don’t be distracted with someone else’s business.
When asked to do something extra, do so with a joyful and pleasant attitude today.
Spiritual Practices (virtues and good works)
Be generous today; help someone in need.
Do a job that needs to be done without being asked.
Go out of your way today to help or talk to someone who is usually difficult.
“In the course of the centuries, our fasting discipline has undergone numerous and radical changes. Today, unfortunately, the observance of Lent is but mere formalism, reduced to abstinence on certain days and without any stress on one’s spiritual growth or the amending of one’s life style. It is urgent that we return to the pristine spirit of the Great Fast.”
I was curious about this “Great Fast”. After all, what is so great about fasting? It’s tedious, inconvenient and often makes me “hangry”.
A quick check of Wikipedia (apologies for the lazy research) showed it to be a term for “Lent” in the Byzantine Rite. The Great Fast, which lasts for 40 days, precedes the Great Feastof Christ’s Resurrection. Put that way it’s easier to see why the preparation period is indeed something to feel good about.
I often make the mistake of focusing too much on penance and self-denial during Lent. By contrast, the single purpose of the Great Fast is to grow in holiness. To become more holy we primarily have to become more prayerful. Of course we also have to give up patterns of behavior which can lead to sin but self-mortification simply for its own sake is to be avoided.
Note this interesting difference between the Eastern and Western church observances during Lent.
“While in the West the chanting of Alleluia ceases during Lent, in the East its use is increased. This is because for Christians, fasting should be joyous and the sense of unworthiness must always be tempered with hope in God's forgiveness.” (Wikipedia/Great Lent)
Joyous? Hopeful? Those are not adjectives I normally associate with fasting. But many saints and mystics have testified to the genuine pleasure of forsaking self-gratification and embracing God instead.
“Lent is then not a season of punishment so much as one of healing. There is joy in the salutary fasting and abstinence of the Christian who eats and drinks less in order that his mind may be more clear and receptive to receive the sacred nourishment of God’s word” (Thomas Merton “Seasons of Celebration”)
So in the spirit of fasting with holiness instead of grumpiness or reluctance, I shall try this year to make meaningful sacrifices and always accompany them with Prayer and Joy. I think this will take some effort but I could be mistaken because after all, God our Father sees all that is done in secret and rewards it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
If you also would like to try a different kind of fast this year, below are a just a few of the many suggestions on the Saint Benedict website. www.saintbenedict.com/item/325-lenten-practices
Corporal or External Practices
Take less of what you like and more of what you dislike at meals today.
Do not use seasoning on your food today.
Take nothing to eat between meals today.
Spiritual or Internal Fast Practices
Don’t make any complaints today.
Don’t be distracted with someone else’s business.
When asked to do something extra, do so with a joyful and pleasant attitude today.
Spiritual Practices (virtues and good works)
Be generous today; help someone in need.
Do a job that needs to be done without being asked.
Go out of your way today to help or talk to someone who is usually difficult.