What Kind Of Fasting Pleases God Our Heavenly Father?

Isaiah 58:1-9
Matthew 9:14-15

THE LIMITED UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISCIPLES OF THE HOUR

In today’s gospel, the disciples of Jesus at this time are yet to understand what Jesus’ passion and death would mean. Walking with Jesus and working as his disciples has been a wonderful experience.

THE HOUR

In today’s gospel Jesus says, in verse 15 when the bridegroom is taken away then they will fast. There are times in our lives when “the Bridegroom is taken away.”  This can also refer to many things apart from the actual event that took place in the garden of Gethsemane when Our Lord was taken away from them on that Holy Thursday night after being betrayed by the kiss of Judas Iscariot,

SIN SEPARATE US FROM CHRIST

One thing it particularly refers to are the times when we experience a sense of the loss of Christ in our lives.  This can certainly come as a result of our own sin, but it can also come as a result of us growing closer to Christ. 
In the first case, fasting can help free us from the many sinful attachments we have in life.  Fasting has the potential to strengthen our will and purify our desires.

FASTING MAKES US YEARN FOR CHRIST’S PRESENCE

In the second case, there are times when we are growing very close to Christ and, as a result, He hides His presence from our lives.  This may seem strange at first but it is done so that we will seek Him all the more.  In this case, also, fasting can become a means of deepening our faith and commitment to Him.

THE HEART OF A TRUE FAST

Fasting can take on many forms, but, at the heart, it is simply an act of self-denial and self-sacrifice for God.  It helps us overcome earthly and fleshly desires so that our spirits can more fully desire Christ. Fasting strengthens our will and conforms to God’s will through prayer. When we turn our minds and hearts to God in fasting we depend on God’s power to give us life and we equally separate ourselves from the things of this world; together with all its desires and pleasures.

THE FASTING THAT PLEASES GOD

There is always a need for us to fast. It is a reminder that, God is ever faithful and that we may depend on Him by doing his will and his will is for us to be saved and come to the knowledge of him. There is freedom in doing God’s will. There is inner peace when we follow God’s law. Doing God’s will does not mean it is all going to be rosy. Roses do have thorns. Our sufferings for the sake of Christ ends in joy, it is only the sufferings in choosing the sin that brings sorrow in the end.

TEST YOUR MIGHT

Reflect, today, on how deeply you desire Christ in your life.  If you see that there are other competing desires that tend to drown out Christ, consider offering acts of fasting and other forms of self-denial.  Make them and offer them as small sacrifices to God and joy comes at dawn. Let us trust in God and choose life.

Fr Joseph Osho