Fasting entails reducing the intake of food per meal, per day whereas abstinence means avoiding, going without, for example, meat. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days when we limit ourselves to one full meal, and two smaller ones and do not eat meat. Fasting, however, can be more than just limiting the amount of food we eat. The prophet, Isaiah, describes the kind of fasting that is acceptable to the Lord, perhaps even preferred:
releasing those bound unjustly
untying the thongs of the yoke;
setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke;
Sharing your bread with the hunger,
sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
and not turning your back on your own.
Yoke can be understood to be whatever burdens. These suggestions demand effort, sacrifice, a giving of time, energy and self. They mean getting involved, getting hands dirty, and making a difference in our lives and the lives of others. What can I do today and the rest of Lent to FAST in this way?
Bro. Rene
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