GREAT LENT 2010

 

Dearly beloved in the Lord:

 

 Our holy Church calls us to fast. We are about to enter the blessed season of Great Lent as we journey to the Feast of feasts - Pascha. Moses fasted for forty days when he ascended the mountain to receive the Law written by the hand of God. Following His baptism, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ went into the desert to pray and fasted for forty days.  We, too, fast for forty days prior to the two greatest feasts of the Church: Christmas and Pascha. It is from Clean Monday (February 15) to the Saturday of Lazarus (March 27) that we prepare ourselves through fasting and prayer to enter Holy Week.

 

 Fasting is an ancient practice of the Church. It is not something derived by humankind, but rather a commandment given by God Himself! The first commandment God gave to the first created people in Paradise was the order of fasting. Everything God had created in Paradise was at their disposal and only from one tree had God told them not to eat of its fruit. This commandment was transgressed by the first created people of God and their disobedience was the reason for evil and death to enter the world. It was not the fault of the tree or the fruit, but the violation of humankind against the commandment of God.

 

 The sin of our forefathers, therefore, was the sin of disobeying God’s commandment to fast. As we begin the Great Fast this month, how do we understand the practice of fasting in our Church? Unfortunately, many Christians do not understand this discipline very well. This is why many completely condemn fasting and others who do follow the fast, do not know how to fast properly. Fasting is the time in which we Christians are more attentive as to how we live our lives. As Christians who acknowledge the presence of God, we must be concerned about our lifestyle every single day, but especially during Great Lent.

 

 It is right to say that fasting is not limited to what we eat, but to how we act and treat others. From Clean Monday we hear our Church teach us through the hymns: “Brethren, let us fast bodily, let us also fast spiritually...” Just as a good housekeeper will prepare the home awaiting special guests to arrive, so Christians offer a fast that is a physical and spiritual catharsis in preparation for the coming of the Great Feast.

 

 The value of fasting is not in certain foods, but in obedience and conformation of the faithful Christian to whatever God and His holy Church determines. Fasting is not a virtue, but a means of discipline and exercise to become virtuous. “Fasting, vigil, and prayer, bring forth heavenly gifts...” is chanted by the Church when recognizing the virtues of blessed ascetics and saints obedient to Christ and His Church. Fasting is not merely what one eats, but how much one eats; a small amount of food at meal times is also expected during the fast.

 

 When we realize the proper way to fast, it is easy for everyone to accomplish: those with illnesses; the elderly; those who work hard; and even those who may only have little food in their home. Orthodox Christians realize that when we fast, we must also reconcile ourselves with others, confess our sins, and partake of Holy Communion. It is for this reason that we fast and prepare ourselves to approach the Holy Chalice “With the fear of God, faith and love...” May you have a blessed Great Lent.

 

In Christ’s love,

 

Rev. Fr. Jon Magoulias

PARISH PRIEST