When you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. Matthew 6:16
Many have noted that Jesus says “when you fast” and not “if you fast”, though many Christians have rarely, if ever, practiced fasting. The expectation in Jesus’ day was that disciples would fast, about which Jesus himself was questioned (Matthew 9:14-17). He says that they will, but alludes also to new forms.
So why is fasting often not practiced? The three spiritual practices Jesus discusses in Matthew, giving to the poor, prayer, and fasting, seem to be listed in order of increasing difficulty. The last, fasting, appears to be harder for us, but why?
Giving to help others means letting go of what we have, praying necessitates letting go of being in control, but fasting is letting go of the sensation of being satisfied. This is perhaps the most challenging because we must choose to be empty in some way, to leave a desire unmet. This is self-denial in ways that prayer and charitable giving are not.
Sometimes when fasting is practiced, it may also be for questionable reasons. We might be tempted to use it as a hunger strike, as if we are trying to get God’s attention or show God how serious we are. If we fast as a means to getting something from God, that is more manipulative than an act of humility seeking transformation.
Fasting, of course, is not necessarily about abstaining from food, though it can be. It is not really about disciplining the body, but rather disciplining our mind and will.
For instance, in fasting we deny our good desires, such as for food, not because they are misguided but because we need to know they can be superseded. This involves coming to know through experience that our wants can go unfulfilled. Life is about learning to put things in a proper order, and to make the most important first. We cannot do this well if our “hunger” always has to be satisfied.
How can we in love selflessly sacrifice our time, our wishes, and give ourselves for the sake of others, unless we can deny what we would want for ourselves? Any parent must learn to do what is best for their children. While that might be somewhat natural for us, what about doing likewise for our neighbors, or even our enemies?
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house when you see the naked, to cover them and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Isaiah 58:6-7
Fasting reorders our priorities and readies us to lovingly act for the welfare of others. The practice should change our mindset and willingness so we can be less self-focused. We practice disciplining our mind and will.