Fasting Reflection 1
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Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting for forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:1-4
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Reflection and Prayer
Food is a wonderful gift of God and should be enjoyed with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:3). Our need of food (as well as other things like water, air and sleep) teach us that we humans are not self-sufficient and self-sustaining. We are dependent on things outside of ourselves to live.
As Christians, we know that ultimately we are dependent on God. Jesus taught us this in his defence against Satan's temptation. In effect, Satan had said, "use your power to sustain yourself. You need food, you're powerful: go and get it." But Jesus' response shows us that he was not willing to use power to avoid dependence, for ultimately humans are dependent on God. The attempt at independent, self-sufficiency is an impossible and dangerous undertaking. We remain, and must delight to remain, dependent on him.
As we fast we can remember this important truth. Each hunger pang reminds us, not just of our physical need of food, but also our spiritual need of God.
As Christians, we know that ultimately we are dependent on God. Jesus taught us this in his defence against Satan's temptation. In effect, Satan had said, "use your power to sustain yourself. You need food, you're powerful: go and get it." But Jesus' response shows us that he was not willing to use power to avoid dependence, for ultimately humans are dependent on God. The attempt at independent, self-sufficiency is an impossible and dangerous undertaking. We remain, and must delight to remain, dependent on him.
As we fast we can remember this important truth. Each hunger pang reminds us, not just of our physical need of food, but also our spiritual need of God.
Heavenly father, we are dependent on you and live because you sustain us.
Thank you that we can trust you, the one who is truly good and truly loving.
You know us and all our needs.
May we delight to depend on you.
Sustain us as we fast,
and may we grow to know the wonder and joy of knowing you.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Thank you that we can trust you, the one who is truly good and truly loving.
You know us and all our needs.
May we delight to depend on you.
Sustain us as we fast,
and may we grow to know the wonder and joy of knowing you.
In Jesus' name, amen.
