Spirituality and Prayer Life in the Ancient Faithਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 3: Ascetic Practices: Fasting, Almsgiving, and Watchfulness

Fasting, almsgiving, and watchfulness are pillars of Orthodox Christian spiritual life. Christ teaches, “When you fast…when you pray…when you give alms…” (Matthew 6 NKJV). Asceticism is “spiritual training,” rooted in Scripture (1 Corinthians 9:25) and the example of Christ Himself. Yet, the foundation of all true ascetic practice is humility and obedience; first to God, and then to the Church and one’s spiritual guide.

The practice of fasting has deep roots in both Scripture and Church Tradition. We see examples of fasting throughout the Old Testament, such as Moses fasting for 40 days on Mount Sinai, or the people (and animals) of Nineveh fasting in response to Jonah's preaching. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness and taught His disciples about fasting. The early Church continued this practice, as we see in the Acts of the Apostles and the writings of the Church Fathers.

Asceticism, as the Fathers teach, is not an end in itself but a means of acquiring God’s gifts and growing in love. St. John Climacus calls asceticism “the mother of sanctity." The Coptic hymn “Tenouosht” (Ⲧⲉⲛⲟⲩⲱϣⲧ) reminds us, “Fasting cannot be without prayer, in humility, in worship, they are a pair, that our request before Him endure, by alms our fasting is pure” – emphasizing the inseparability of fasting, prayer, humility, worship, and almsgiving.

In Orthodox Christian tradition, there are several major fasting periods throughout the year:

1. Holy Great Fast (55 days before the Feast of the Resurrection of Jesus)
2. Nativity Fast (40 days before the Feast of the Nativity of Christ)
3. Apostles' Fast (variable length before the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul)
4. Dormition Fast (two weeks before the Dormition of the Theotokos, St. Mary)

Additionally, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year are observed as fasting days, commemorating the betrayal of Christ and His crucifixion, respectively.

The purposes of fasting in Orthodox spirituality are multifaceted:

1. Self-control: Fasting helps us gain mastery over our bodily desires and passions. By learning to say "no" to certain foods, we strengthen our will to resist temptation in other areas of life.
2. Spiritual focus: By denying physical appetites, we can better focus on spiritual realities. Hunger can serve as a reminder to turn our attention to God and spiritual matters.
3. Repentance: Fasting is an act of humility and contrition before God. It acknowledges our dependence on Him and our need for His grace.
4. Solidarity: By voluntarily experiencing hunger, we become more compassionate towards those who involuntarily go without. This can lead to a greater commitment to almsgiving and social justice.
5. Preparation: Fasting prepares us for feast days and sacraments, especially the Eucharist. It heightens our spiritual sensitivity and appreciation for God's gifts.
6. Unity with the Church: By fasting together, we strengthen our bond as a community of faithful and our sense of shared spiritual struggle.
7. Detachment from worldly pleasures: Fasting helps us loosen our attachment to material comforts and pleasures, freeing us to seek satisfaction in God alone.

It's crucial to understand that fasting in Orthodox Christian spirituality is not about following rules legalistically or proving our willpower, meticulously reading the ingredients of food items. Rather, it's a tool for spiritual growth that should be practiced with wisdom, humility, and love. As St. John Chrysostom teaches in his writings on Fasting and Almsgiving, "Fasting of the body is food for the soul."

Obedience to these traditions is not a burden, but a blessing. As the Desert Fathers teach, “Obedience is the first of virtues and foundational to all ascetic endeavors.” Through obedience, we mortify our will and find true freedom in Christ.

Spiritual guidance is essential. The Fathers urge us to practice asceticism not in isolation or by our own judgment, but under the direction of a spiritual father or mother, who helps us discern what is appropriate for our health, circumstances, and spiritual maturity. The goal of asceticism is spiritual growth, not physical deprivation. Humility is the mother of all virtues and the necessary companion to all ascetic efforts; it cleanses us from passions and opens us to God’s grace.

Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food, but about spiritual growth and drawing closer to God. In “The Shepherd of Hermas", an ancient Early Church text read in the homes of Christians, "God desires not such a vain fast; for by so fasting unto God you shall do nothing for righteousness. But fast you [unto God] such a fast as this; do no wickedness in your life, and serve the Lord with a pure heart." This ancient wisdom nicely summarizes the Orthodox Christian understanding of fasting as a holistic spiritual discipline that goes beyond dietary restrictions.

When we fast, we also strive to abstain from negative thoughts, harmful words, and distractions. As St. Isaac the Syrian teaches, “Fasting with discernment is the mother of all virtues.” Almsgiving is inseparable from fasting; what we save by abstaining from food, we give to the poor. Watchfulness (nepsis) means guarding our thoughts and being attentive to God’s presence.

As we practice asceticism, we should increase our spiritual nourishment through prayer, Scripture reading, participation in church services, and kind acts towards others. Likewise, the money saved from simpler meals can be given to those in need. As St. John Chrysostom teaches in his writings on Fasting and Almsgiving, “Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him. If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him. Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies. Let the hands fast, by being free of greed. Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful. Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip. Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism. For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fish, but bite and devour our brothers?”

Obedience to the Church’s tradition, its fasts, prayer cycles, and teachings, forms us in humility and brings spiritual blessing. As St. John the Dwarf’s story reminds us, the fruit of obedience is spiritual life and joy.

Fasting also teaches us to be grateful for what we have and to live more simply. It reminds us of our dependence on God and helps us empathize with those who are vulnerable, poor, and impoverished. In this way, fasting can lead to a transformation of our relationship with food, material possessions, and other people.

In our modern world, where instant gratification is often the norm, fasting can be particularly challenging but also particularly valuable. It cultivates patience, self-discipline, and mindfulness - qualities that are beneficial not only spiritually but in all areas of life. Isaac the Syrian further says, “As satisfying the stomach is the beginning of any evil, so fasting is the basis of any virtue and the holy way to God. The fast is the protection of virtue, the beginning of self-sacrifice, a wreath of abstinence, the beauty of virginity and holiness, the shine of chastity, the basis of a Christian life, the father of prayer, the originator of chastity and wisdom, the instructor of silence, and the leader to everything good.”

As you incorporate fasting into your spiritual life, remember that it's a personal journey guided by the Church's wisdom. What's most important is the spirit in which you fast, not the strictness with which you follow the rules. As the Apostle St. Paul reminds us, "the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17 NKJV).

Today, consider how fasting can deepen your spiritual life. This might involve abstaining from food, but also from negative thoughts, harmful words, or distracting activities.

Reflection: How can you use fasting as a tool for spiritual growth, drawing closer to God and becoming more aware of His presence in your life? Remember, the ultimate goal of fasting, like all spiritual practices, is to open our hearts more fully to God's transforming love. What passions or distractions need to be surrendered to God?

Prayer: Lord, grant me strength to fast with joy, to give with generosity, and to watch over my heart with diligence. Help me to seek You above all comforts, and to love my neighbor as myself. May my ascetic efforts draw me nearer to You. Amen.