When fasting, Christians urged to avoid looking dismal
Luke 15:1-10. Text: “And when you fast, DO NOT LOOK DISMAL, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” Matthew 6:16. According to the general belief, fasting is religious, serious, unpleasant and requires strong willpower. Very few are fasting today as our forefathers did: abstaining from rich food, forgoing entertainment and fun, attending special Lenten services and practicing self-examination and self-control. The modern, liberal view that prevails in the world and the strict, disciplined lifestyle of the past are not in harmony. Let our Lord make fasting more “modern” for us.
” . . . DO NOT LOOK DISMAL . . .”
We find the same expression when the resurrected Lord had met two disciples on the road to Emmaus: “‘What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?’ And they stood still, LOOKING SAD.” Luke 24:17. Looking sad and gloomy shall not be characteristic of Christian life.
When the negative is overemphasized, we may end up with the opposite result. Instead of correcting and improving ourselves, we may become disappointed and discouraged. If only sins and mistakes are mentioned, people may have the wrong impression that even God does not want. For example:
– I AM NOBODY. I should underestimate myself and admit my unworthiness.
– I CAN’T DO ANYTHING RIGHT. I am not as good as others are, why bother?
– I DON’T HAVE A CHANCE. The expectation is so high, I will fail anyhow.
To belittle ourselves is definitely not the way Christ wants us to observe Lent: “And when you fast, DO NOT LOOK DISMAL . . .” The honest self-examination and self-discipline will much rather lead us to a joyous life that the Christians were originally intended to pursue.
“REJOICE WITH ME, FOR I HAVE FOUND . . .” Luke 15:6 and 9.
In our Scripture reading, we read twice: “Rejoice with me.” And also: “There is a joy before the angels” 10th verse. Apostle Paul thus encourages the Thessalonians: “Rejoice always.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16. Peter and the other apostles, being put into jail for preaching the Gospel, found it a reason to rejoice. Acts of Apostles 5:41. Fasting, that cleanses our feelings, thoughts and actions, as well as controls our desires, will help us the following ways to rejoice.
1. WE CAN REJOICE MORE EASILY. The more we possess, the harder it is to make us glad. Since we have cable TV, VCR, DVD player and the “dish,” that is the dish-shaped antenna, what kind of church program is so enticing that you will leave your living room? Which church program can compete with popularity of the Super Bowl football game? Pure heart will unveil more beauty and joy than permissiveness will eventually offer.
2. WE CAN REJOICE WITHOUT FEAR. The frequent and undisclosed question is this: and what will happen if they find it out? The family is the best proof that if one wishes to have fun in a selfish way, the others worry. Whoever is careful and cautious is not necessarily a coward, and also who is a daredevil is not a hero either. Let our joy rather be a smaller and long-lasting one than a great excitement only for a short time. This misleading reasoning caused tragedy to many people: Why should we not do it now when there might not be another chance later? What is worse – a missed opportunity or painful consequences of our foolish mistake?
3. WE CAN REJOICE WITH OTHERS. True happiness is connective, and shared joy is multiplied. Permissiveness separates and isolates people, while love and kindness bring them together. The modern man can be a lonely one in the crowd. What a great difference there is between the fellowship of the faithful and the gangsters sticking together. Without trust, there is no friendship. How can a person trust others if he/she has something to hide and be ashamed of?
Let us fast with strong will, pure heart and joyful spirit.
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The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.