“Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. (Matthew 9:14-15 NIV)
Fasting--detaching ourselves from worldly distractions--can allow us to focus our energy on God. Pleasure seeking can dull our senses. We go through our days on autopilot--pursuing our desires, obsessed by productivity and consumption. Disengaging from our everyday concerns and routines can sharpen and hone our senses and allow us to become conscious of God’s presence.
Yet, according to Jesus, there is a time for fasting as well as a time for feasting. Jesus withdrew from his normal activities and went into the wilderness before his public ministry started. Here he fasted alone. Later, when he is surrounded by his disciples and others, Jesus celebrated. He was constantly engaged with the people around him.
Lord, teach us when to disengage and when to engage. Show us how to detach from distractions so that we may become attached to You. Allow us to consume less, so that we can be all consumed by You.
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