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I cannot do a regular fast due to a medical condition. I have learnt that others in the ward have the same problem. We have been looking at how we might do fasting in a more creative way, i.e. not just giving up food for a period, but giving up an item such as chocolate, or not using my car for a week.
Any suggestions anyone? I have thoughts, will report back.
That works for me. In one area where I lived we were counseled to only abstain from food because of the health problems that could result from not drinking fluids for a 24 hour period. The policy was flexible. Abstaining from food and drink for a 24 hour period is a policy, perhaps the letter of the law. What is the spirit of the law? Can we invoke the spirit of the law in other ways? Absolutely.
That said, there is some symbolism to be found in fasting from life giving substances (or perhaps needs vs. wants). I’m not the symbolism police, we’re free to create our own symbols and derive meaning.
I would say that the original purpose of fasting (the true spirit of “The Fast”) was to forge a practical connection with and then actually help the poor – to experience on a tiny scale, temporarily, what they experience on a much larger scale with no hope of it ever ending, and to allow that experience to prompt action to alleviate their suffering. (Isaiah 58) If you can’t abstain from food, I would suggest not abstaining from somethig else but rather finding someone (individual or group) to serve who would qualify as “one of the least of these” around you.
When my wife couldn’t do a traditional fast (she was pregnant) she fasted by avoiding foods with sugar. In the summer in desert Arizona I drink water while I fast so I don’t become dehydrated. The point of fasting is to think about someone other than yourself and to help other people by donating money to fast offerings. I think anything that prompts you to serve others could be a fast of sorts. Thanks for the answers folks. I have been thinking of a few other things. Like leaving the car at home for a week. (Have to make pick ups this week so can’t do it.)
Giving up chocolate is another option, but I haven’t been eating much recently. Probably soda is a more realistic option.
I hope this isn’t off topic: I’ve been trying to come up creative ways to do Home Teaching. One of my assignments is a woman in a nursing home who had a stroke & has problems
speaking. I told her that I wished I could do something special for her during our visits. I asked if I could bring her a box of chocolate. Her eyes got
really big & she gave me a big smile too. (Message received.)
Sometimes giving a gift of chocolate is just as big a gesture as giving something up.
I end up in trouble if I don’t drink, so I drink water. If I also couldn’t do without food, I’d probably aim to eat as inexpensively as I possibly could – anything to distinguish fasting from a regular routine. Fasting does help me turn my thoughts to others, and I love the practicality of it. What would the world look like if everyone lived this law? For some reason, though, I don’t fast for personal matters. I like the community aspect of it – fasting to contribute to a common coffer – but I don’t feel drawn to fast when in personal turmoil or need.
I’ll be interested to hear how it goes for you and your friends.
Minyan Man wrote:I hope this isn’t off topic:
I’ve been trying to come up creative ways to do Home Teaching. One of my assignments is a woman in a nursing home who had a stroke & has problems
speaking. I told her that I wished I could do something special for her during our visits. I asked if I could bring her a box of chocolate. Her eyes got
really big & she gave me a big smile too. (Message received.)
Sometimes giving a gift of chocolate is just as big a gesture as giving something up.
Not at all. Nice story, it must be difficult for her.
I would say to follow your medical advice, and not fast if you are told that you cannot. But donate to the FO fund as if you did, and I think you’re fulfilling what is expected, having the spirit of the practice at heart.
Heber13 wrote:I would say to follow your medical advice, and not fast if you are told that you cannot.
But donate to the FO fund as if you did, and I think you’re fulfilling what is expected, having the spirit of the practice at heart.
Hi Heber I think you’re missing the point which is how to do something like a fast but not actually violating the medical advice.
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