“If a king wanted to take possession of his enemy’s city, he would begin by cutting off the water and the food and so his enemies, dying of hunger, would submit to him. It is the same with the passions of the flesh: if a man goes about fasting and hungry the enemies of his soul grow weak.”
The Effect of Fasting
When was the last time you went to a restaurant? Undoubtedly you were given a menu to peruse. As you considered your options for food, you most likely thought about what you felt like eating. What was it that turned you off of one of the meals? What attracted you to the meal you ordered? Somewhere in that process you probably thought about how that food made you feel.
After a large lunch, many of us know the familiar energy lull that creates a sleepy afternoon. The Desert Fathers were all too familiar with this. Not only are our emotions exposed when we deny ourselves food, but our minds would also find clarity. John Cassian put it this way:
“On the basis of vast experience, they ascertained that daily temperance in eating, that is, a little fasting, is far more beneficial than extensive fasting that lasts three or four days or for the period of an entire week. For, as they say, the who undertakes fasting without moderation often also partakes of food without moderation. Thus, sometimes, from excessive starvation, one weakens the body and becomes lazy in spiritual works; yet another time, he burdens himself from great quantities of food, inviting sloth and indolence.”
To eat is to satisfy desire, to fast is to restrain and re-train desire. When fasting we come face to face with our driving needs. We learn what it is that we crave. Fasting is not so much about the restraint of eating, but rather about how we go about satisfying ourselves.
Fasting humbles us as we see just how little control we have over our own appetite. What our hearts crave is exposed and laid bare. It is there that the process of re-training the inner life truly takes hold.
I’ll see you again tomorrow as we consider The Effects of Remembrance.
Blessings,
Joshua Hoffert
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
When you feel empty, restless, or listless, what do you do to try to fill the emptiness? What does this tell you about your heart?
What is your attitude toward fasting or self-denial?
In what ways do you currently deny yourself?
When has self-denial brought you something good?
What has the experience of fasting been like for you?
Where do you operate from an entitlement mentality? How can you wean yourself from this way of life?
Think about fasting a consistent meal this week. Comment below and let me know how it goes.