Answer Fast: When Shouldn't We Eat?

My weight varies on a cyclical, annual basis.

Nominally, it starts Halloween night when I hand out candy to the Trick-or-Treaters. One for Batman, one for me, one for Princess Anna, one for me, one for Princess Elsa, one for me, one for …. Well, you get the idea!

 

 

Princesses Anna and Elsa will be Knocking at my Door

It continues with the left over candy, Thanksgiving, turkey leftovers, Christmas parties, Christmas Eve and Day, all the way to New Years.

 

With tight clothes, I go on a diet in January and judging by the number of Weight Watcher commercials I see in January, I suspect others have a similar overeat and diet cycle.

 

Eventually, I get back to a normal weight; I feel better, have more energy, am more focused and once again have clothes that fit!

 

Today’s reading is Matthew 4:1-11, the Tempting of Jesus.

 

Jesus is tempted by Satan. Satan tells a hungry Jesus to turn rocks into bread, so he can eat. He tells Jesus to prove he is the Son of God by jumping off the Temple. He finally tells Jesus that he can have the entire physical world if he simply worships Satan.

 

Jesus passes all of Satan’s tests. But what is interesting is how Jesus prepared for his test. Jesus fasted for 40 days.

 

When we are tempted, or need spiritual nourishment, fasting can be a part of our spiritual defense.

 

No, we don’t have to go without food for 40 days. God most certainly wants us to maintain our health, but we certainly can skip a meal or two for a few days.

 

When fasting, we can pay more attention to spiritual things instead of earthly things.

 

During and immediately after fasting we will feel better, have more Spiritual Energy, and be more focused on God. And the white Heavenly robe will always fit!

PS -- Happy All Saints Day!