Times of Feasting, Times of Fasting

 

The rhythm of fasting and feasting is largely lost in much of Western society.  But there is a certain wisdom to it.  The contrast between times of plenty, even excess, is better appreciated when we also have times when we intentionally restrain our appetites.  Lent is just such a time.  

One of the benefits of fasting, of course, is that it allows us to more closely identify with those who have little.  Some who fast during Lent put aside what they might normally spend of a meal each day, or special treats, and then give the money to those in need.  Some use the time normally spent at meals to observe times of prayer, meditation and study.  One needn't be a Christian, or a person of any particular faith, to engage in times of fasting.

Perhaps this is the year to consider engaging in fasting.  Perhaps this us the year to learn from the contrast between feasting and fasting.  In many parts of the world, the days or weeks before Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, are observed as festive times, most notably in New Orleans where Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is marked by parades and parties.   a time for cleaning out all the fats before the Lenten time of fasting.  Hence the name, Fat Tuesday.  This year Ash Wednesday falls on March 2.  My congregation marks that important day with a worship service complete with ashes.  But before the days of fasting, the feasting and celebration of Mardi Gras!  So each year we hold Mardi Gras Sunday, complete with beads and a Dixieland Jazz Combo.  It is a grand time of celebration, followed only three days later by a time of somber reflection.  Such is life!