February 5, 2024 — Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline

Fasting is not one of the gifts that Paul mentions in his writings, but I have learned that those who have been able to use fasting as a part of their faith disciplines, well, these people view fasting as a gift. What is fasting? I think we all have some idea of what we might think it entails. In the Lutheran Church, there has been a movement that many churches have participated in called the “Thirty Hour Famine”. Under the title “Go hungry to help hungry kids”, students grow closer to Christ and each other as they fast together for 30 hours and raise funds to fight hunger. It allows students to be part of something bigger than themselves by experiencing hunger in a different way and then to take action for G-d’s kingdom to help save the lives of hungry kids.

That is one way our students can experience the issue of hunger, but a spiritual discipline of fasting is completely different. Fasting by definition, is going without food and/or drink for a period of time. The practice of fasting is mentioned numerous times in the Bible as a reaction to various circumstances. Fasting was an act of repentance, as when the king of Nineveh ordered a fast after the preaching of Jonah (Jonah 3:5-9). Fasting was also a reaction to intense grief, as when the bones of Saul and his sons were buried (1 Samuel 31:13).

So, typically fasting was practiced for religious purposes. In this day and age, sometimes we need to refrain from both food and drink for health reasons as well, like if you have a medical procedure or a surgery. Whatever the need and purpose fasting is not easy, especially if you do it for an extended period of time. However, it may prove to be a temporary discipline that can challenge you in this season of Lent as you take time to refocus your attentions on your relationship with G-d. As always, if you choose to try fasting, be sure you do not have medical conditions that would preclude you from such a discipline. After all, we all want to be closer to G-d, but not to the point where we cross through the pearly gates before our appointed time.

Pastor Dave

February 4, 2024 – Epiphany +5B

“As soon as [Jesus and the disciples] left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.” Mark 1:29-39

One of the aspects of Mark’s Gospel account is the quick moving — immediacy of his style of writing. He tells a story, and the story he tells moves along very quickly. In fact, sometimes it actually leaves you breathless. And the snippet of the Gospel we have this morning is just a small example of Mark’s urgency. For example, in the earlier verses of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus calls his disciples, and they immediately follow him. Jesus then shows up in Capernaum and enters a synagogue — and he teaches with authority, impressing the people, and angering the Scribes. While there he casts out a demon which raises the expectations of the people in the area. He decides to move on and comes to the house of Peter’s mother-in-law and heals her. In fact he heals many of the people in the region, and casts out demons. In the morning he goes to a quiet place to pray and his disciples run to find him telling him everyone wants to see him. He tells them they are not going to stay, but they are moving on to other towns so he can proclaim “His Message”. 

Jesus moves, acts, heals, teaches, prays and stays in constant motion. In other words, in all of these stories, Jesus shows up — and he shows up in a big way. But even though he seems to be moving at break-neck speed, he shows up none-the-less — like he showed up for His baptism, his temptation, his teaching and preaching, and his healing ministry. And this very fact that Jesus shows up challenges us to do the same — to follow him by showing up. How about that? You and I can show up, just show up, and we can be a part of proclaiming the Gospel. We can. Sometimes that is the best thing we can do — we can just show up in the name of Jesus to show people we care. My friends, Jesus models for us how we can begin living the Gospel life — living a life of prayer; living a life of being with and showing up for others. It will be in Lent that we will be able to ponder how we live “Creating a Culture of Life” – a life of showing up — showing up again, and again, and again in the name of Jesus. 

Pastor Dave