Scripture Readings: Isaiah 58.1-12 and Matthew 6.1-6, 16-20
As we enter into this sacred and holy time of Lent, many of us will choose to participate in some form of fasting. I always enjoy talking to people about the things they are “giving up” for Lent. Often it involves a change in diet, such as attempting to go forty days without eating chocolate or drinking one’s favorite diet soda. Others get a little more creative and choose to eliminate Facebook or ESPN time from their daily lives. I must admit, when I first began observing Lent, I did little more than participate in the “no chocolate” or “no TV” ritual. And while there is certainly nothing wrong with fasting from those things (and probably something quite healthy about it!), the Isaiah and Matthew texts we read as we begin this journey call us into a deeper understanding of fasting. They compel us to see our fast as something beyond ourselves – they call us to live out our fast as an act of spiritual worship.
In Isaiah 58.3, the people cry out to God, “Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why do we humble ourselves, but you do not notice?”
We should take seriously God’s response as we enter into this time of Lent – regardless of what it is we choose to “give up.” If we fight and quarrel, if we oppress others, if we serve our own interests – then it matters not to God that we humble ourselves by fasting or adorning the ritualistic ashes. The kind of fasting that God requires is clearly spelled out in verses 6-7:
“to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke…
to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
and when you see the naked to cover them,
and not to hide yourself from your own kin.”
So what will be your fast this Lenten season? For the past two years, the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society has encouraged UMC members, groups, and congregations around the globe to observe an “Alcohol Free Lent.” This was not an attempt to return to the days of prohibition – but it was a reminder of our Wesleyan roots which identified the destructive nature of alcoholism as a societal sin, causing great suffering amongst families and individuals. The idea was not to shame anyone for drinking, but to bring awareness and dialogue to a social (and very personal) concern that affects millions of people worldwide every day. Many churches established a “Spirit Fund” to support organizations providing recovery and support services to persons affected by alcoholism. In this way, UMC members collectively participated in a fast that sought to break the bonds of an oppressive disease and bring the light of freedom to those who suffer its devastating effects.
Earlier this month, over 50 FirstChurch women participated in a retreat focused on the systemic sin of human trafficking. Although the subject matter was quite heavy, these women came away from the event inspired and passionate about the many ways they can be a part of the solution, and educate and empower others to do the same. There was no “fasting” involved in our Women’s Retreat, but what if this year our Lenten fast helped us strengthen our spiritual focus on freeing young women and girls from the bonds of sexual slavery?
In Matthew 6, Jesus warns against false piety, prayer, and fasting. He teaches that when we do these things, they should not be done for the sake of drawing attention to ourselves, but so that our Father will see it. Should not the fast that we choose be the type of fast that God not only sees – but the type of fast God chooses?
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the forty day journey toward Easter. When fasting, it can feel like a long time of wandering through the wilderness. We draw strength from ritual and community. I pray you will take the opportunity to participate in the ritual of the imposition of ashes this day, and that you will enter this season with a sense of repentance, spiritual discipline, and renewal. But even more, I pray that whatever disciplines and rituals you choose to observe this Lenten season, you will incorporate into your spiritual life a desire to “loose the bonds of injustice, let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke.”
In so doing,
“Your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly…
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
you shall cry for help, and he will say,
Here I am.”
In the name of our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer,
Amen.
Rev. Becky Walker, Associate Minister/Minister of Adult Education
