WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023 - ASH WEDNESDAY, LENT, FASTING AND NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY(?)

 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023 - ASH WEDNESDAY AND LENT

I’m going to the Judeo-Christian world today.

From Matthew 6:16a “When you fast” (That’s just the first of the verse).  Fasting - that is abstaining from something (generally food and/or drink) - is expected.  One reference had done the counting. “Fasting is a discipline that God’s people have practiced in both the Old and New Testaments and throughout church history.  Mentioned in the Bible more than 70 times, the first example of fasting in Scripture is in Exodus 34 – “Moses was on Mount Sinai with the Lord for 40 days and 40 nights. He didn't eat any food or drink any water.” 

I’m kind of worried about the 40 days and nights without any food or water.  But, anything with God - however you view Him/Her/It/The Force/Ahh - is possible.  But it does sound like hyperbole to go 40 days and nights without food or water - and then at the end of Moses’ life, he isn’t allowed to enter the “Promised Land” because he struck a rock twice instead of only once!!  My God is a God of Love, but in the Old Testament, it seems like God struck people down almost “willy-nilly”.

Fasting is good for you.  I have friends who have fasted and lost weight.  I have fasted many times over the years - sometimes going two days without food (I do allow myself water).  Sometimes it is a fast eating only one small meal a day between 10 a.m. and noon. 

So, when Matthew 6:16 starts with “When you fast”, I believe that God wants us to fast sometime.

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Now back to the whole Matthew 6:16-18 verses:

““When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

So, here we are - Ash Wednesday.  Maybe (most Catholics and some Protestants) you will get ashes in the shape of a cross placed on your forehead.  I will also get some ashes on my forehead - and shortly afterward will clean them off - or as the verse says “When you fast put oil on your head and wash your face so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting.”  

I want my spiritual life to be deep, meaningful, and personal.  And, I want my external expressions of faith to let LOVE WINS and LOVE TRANSFORM me.  

But, does washing my face after receiving ashes contradict Romans 1:16? “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes”.

I am not ashamed of the gospel - but I want to respect and love everyone - “I can only love God as much as the person I love the least” (Dorothy Day).  I hope I’m driven by humility and love when I wash my face as compared to “showing off”.

Taking the last part of Matthew 6:16, “Do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”  I do my fasting in secret - and I will not follow a specific timeline for my fasting.  I tend to check my calendar for days that are more “open” so I can spend more time in prayer and meditation.  As a single woman, I have no one that will question me “Why aren’t you eating today?” 

My fasting is for me - internally; not for you or for those around me. If somebody asks me to lunch I won’t answer “Sorry, I’m fasting today”; but rather suggest another day and time, or answer “I’m busy”, or “I’m not hungry today”.  (Or, more likely, I’ll go to lunch with you and fast another day).

There are times for celebration - feasting; and there are times for fasting and prayer.  My feasting will be public (like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Super Bowl parties, weddings, Easter, and birthdays), but my times of fasting to be quiet and alone and reflective.

If you feel like you want to get ashes imposed on your forehead today as marking the period of Lent - please do so.  If you want to wear them openly, in sincerity and humility - please do so.  If you feel like fasting tomorrow (but doing it privately), do so, and don’t tell me because it is YOUR day of fasting.

I take scripture at face value (but that seems to be changing).  The part of the verse “Do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”   

While I am a human being, living among other humans, I have a need to be liked; ultimately I need to please God.  What are my motives for my actions?  To be loving -yes, but to draw close to God - ABSOLUTELY.

For those observing Ash Wednesday and Lent, may God’s blessings and mercy be upon you.  For those of you on the sideline, may God’s blessings and mercy be upon you as well!!!  

I am not going to judge you and I’m trying not to judge your motives and actions.  May God be merciful to me - a sinner!!!

Love Wins

Love Transforms

Karen Anne White, © February 22, 2023