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The
primary aim of physical fasting is to make us conscious of our
dependence upon God. If practiced seriously, the Lenten fast involves,
at least initially, a considerable measure of real hunger and a feeling
of tiredness and physical exhaustion.
The purpose of this is to lead us in turn to a sense of inward
brokenness and contrition; to bring us to the point where we appreciate
the full force of Christ’s statement, “Without Me you can do nothing”
(John 15:5). If we always take our fill of food and drink, we easily grow
over-confident in our own abilities, acquiring a false sense of autonomy
and self-sufficiency. Ultimately, fasting leads not to hunger and weariness,
but to wakefulness, freedom and joyfulness in full reliance on God. While
some (e.g. the infirm and those on medication) may find it necessary to
adjust (not disregard!) the fast according to their frame, those who are
physically able are encouraged to observe the traditional Lenten fasting
discipline:
(1) During the week between the Sunday of the Publican & the
Pharisee and that of the Prodigal Son (February 4-11), there is a general
dispensation from all fasting. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy may
be eaten even on Wednesday and Friday.
(2) In the following week (February 12-18), the traditional fast
(no meat, poultry, fish, eggs or dairy) is kept on Wednesday and Friday.
(3) In the week before Great Lent (February 19-25), abstinence
from meat, poultry and fish is observed, but eggs and dairy may be eaten
on all days, including Wednesday and Friday.
(4) Beginning on Pure Monday — the first day of Great Lent (February
26) — the traditional fast is observed on all days of the week.
Exceptions: On the great feasts of the Annunciation (March
25) and Palm Sunday (April 7), it is permitted to eat fish.
(5) During Pure Week (February 26-March 2), on any day when the
Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated, and on the first
four days of Great and Holy Week (April 8-11) it is traditional that only
one meal be taken, and that, following the Liturgy or the last service
of the day.
(6) On Great and holy Friday (April 12) and Great and Holy Saturday
(April 13), it is traditional that no meals be taken.
Fasting, however, is not merely a matter of diet. True fasting
is to be converted in heart and will; it is to consciously return to God
in heart, mind, soul and body. In the words of St. John Chrysostom, fasting
means “abstinence not only from food but also from sins.” “The Fast,”
he insists, “should be kept not by the mouth alone, but also by the eye,
the ear, the feet, the hands and all members of the body.” Let each of
us, as bride, prepare by prayer, true fasting and almsgiving to receive
the heavenly Bridegroom — Christ risen from the dead, trampling down death
by death!
WHAT
TO GIVE UP FOR LENT
Give
up watching television one evening a week. Visit some lonely or sick person
instead.
Give
up looking at other people’s worst points. Concentrate on their strong
points and positive attributes.
Give
up speaking unkindly. Let your speech be generous and understanding.
Give
up your worries. Trust God with your problems and frustrations.
Give
up hatred or dislike of anyone. Learn to love instead.
Give
up the fear which prevents Christian witness. Seek courage to speak about
your faith to others.
Give
up spending so much time with newspapers and magazines. Use some of that
time to study your Bible.
Give
up grumbling. Learn to give thanks in everything.
Give
up ten to fifteen minutes each day. Use that time in prayer.
Give
up buying anything but essentials for yourself. Give that money to God’s
work or someone in need.
Give
up judging by appearance and by the standards of the world. Learn to give
up yourself to God.
From Word
Magazine
Publication of the Antiochian Orthodox
Christian Archdiocese of North America
March 1996
p. 13
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