02 March 2014

Fastenzeit (Fasting-time, that is, Lent) Approaches

Here's a post I wrote some years ago about a Lutheran approach to the topic of the Lenten (and Advent) fasts:

The Augsburg Confession disdains the distinction of meats, and does so solidly based on Colossians But that doesn't mean that Lutherans didn't and don't fast. If we remember that fast mean "to go hungry" the solution is apparent: skip meals! It's not a matter of what FOOD you give up for Lent, but a matter of what MEALS and feeding (as in snacking!) you set aside. If one follows the typical Western fast, one eats but 1 and 1/4 to 1/2 meals per day. This is not done to impress God, but to train our bodies (that our belly is not our boss) and to free up time for prayer and money for charity...

Whatever your shape your fasting discipline takes (and it is surely is between you and your Lord and no one else), may you enjoy a blessed and holy Lent!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

It's not a matter of food? Really? If you continually to eat foods that you really enjoy but only in lesser degree are you really fasting? No. You're just enjoying something less. There's nothing wrong with that, but that is far from the fasting that the Jews practiced and the early Christians.--Chris

Christopher Esget said...

Thank you for reposting this. I like to share your advice with my congregation.

Christopher Esget+