IV. Vows
of Voluntary Sacrifice
“We freely offer up
our appetites, wealth, and pride to relieve the suffering of the world, for the
sake of our neighbors and God’s joy.”
- I will discipline my appetite for food through conscientious diet and periodic fasting, especially from foods that impose exceptional burdens on God’s creation or my neighbors, and by refraining from intoxicants.
Some may wonder what eating habits have to do with living in
line with God’s shalom. But food movements and cookbooks like More With Less and Simply in Season, alongside growing
attention to "local, fresh, in-season, heirloom, organic, fair trade,
hormone free, grass-fed, free-range, whole grain" (and so on), have drawn much
clearer ethical lines between the things we grow, water, weed or purchase,
transport, slice, cook, and ultimately put in our mouths. The interconnections of our overburdened ecosystems are increasingly apparent. There are links between our food sources, and the health, well-being and peace of ourselves and our neighbors.
But there is
more to today’s vow than simply re-connecting with our local farmers and eating
fresh, tasty food or just refraining from excessive caffeine, sugars or fats
for physical health sake alone. One significant, life-giving piece not
prominent in the healthy and sustainable foods movements is attention to
periodic fasts. Sure, New Year’s
resolutions and health magazines tout particular diets and portion control, but
longstanding religious traditions—including Christian—have a distinctive
contribution to make to our spiritual, physical, mental and relational health
through the practice of fasting. It has been suggested that in an affluent
society, fasting is a far larger
sacrifice than giving a little of our money.
Solidarity with
others in their suffering is another key angle afforded by fasting. In our
hunger pangs, we may join them in their difficult experience. The self-restraint
of fasting also prepares us to pay attention to God over our own desires. Our
Hindu brother Gandhi suggests, it “is essential in order to make our ears fit
to hear the voice of God.”
Following
Christ’s cross-bearing way can be painful work at times, and will require
preparation to remain faithful. Fasting is one such discipline that strengthens
our patience, focus and attentiveness to God, gratitude, self-discipline,
compassion for the suffering other and our reliance on God’s daily
sustenance—all qualities needed for serious long-term discipleship. So today we
vow together: “I will discipline my appetite for food through conscientious diet and
periodic fasting, especially from meat and foods that impose exceptional
burdens on God’s creation or my neighbors, and by refraining from intoxicants.”
For Reflection and Action
1.
Ruminate
on one line of the Lord’s Prayer today: “Give us today, our bread for today” as
you take stock of the foods and drinks you have had in the last 24 to 48 hours
.
- Pick two or three items and trace out as many ways as you can imagine that they link you with other humans, other living things, economic systems or diverse geographic areas. What surprises you?
- How many of the foods on your list contained meat, dairy, seafood? Sugar, caffeine, alcohol? Imports or “luxuries”? With which things do you consider your amounts to be healthy? With which might God call you to greater moderation or even fasting?
2. Pick a meal or a day in the
coming week to fast (if you’ve not done so before, ease in).
o
Learn the story of someone who suffers and
reflect on their story as you fast in solidarity with them.
o
Keep a notepad handy and, in being more
attentive outside yourself, jot down where you notice God in your day.
o
Pay attention to the desires “at war” within
you, give thanks to God for your successful resolve along the way and at the
end.
Prayer Focus
(repeat
throughout the day)
Our Father in Heaven,
Give us this day our daily bread.
