The Fast

Matthew 4:1-11

After fasting for forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry.

“But, Maaaaahhhhhaaaaammmmmm!!! I don’t LIKE salmon patties!!”

“That’s all you’re getting, so you’ll sit there until you do.”

And that, my friends, is how I recall Fridays in Lent.

I have a little truth to share: fasting has never been one of my strengths. Honestly, it’s been so long since I’ve done a true sacrificial fast that I couldn’t even tell you when the last one was. Yet here we are in Lent, and that word keeps rising to the surface. So now I find myself wondering: maybe this is the year to try again. And who knows, if the only option on the menu were salmon patties, I might find fasting surprisingly easy.

In today’s Gospel, we hear the familiar story of Jesus entering the desert to fast and pray. Forty days in the wilderness without food sounds overwhelming, yet Scripture tells us that Jesus used that time to center himself, to clear away distractions, and to prepare for the mission ahead. Knowing what his ministry would demand of him, and how it would ultimately end, Jesus embraced that time of focus so he could fully align himself with God’s will.

Jesus understood the suffering of his people and their longing for relief. He knew he would call disciples who would look to him for guidance. He knew his message would challenge the religious leaders of his day, and that they would resist him fiercely.

Reflecting on this Gospel, I can see why Jesus faced the temptations he did. He was tempted with economic power: the ability to ease his people’s hardship. He was tempted with political power: the chance to become a mighty leader. He was tempted with religious power: the authority to overturn the practices of the day.

But through fasting and prayer, Jesus was strengthened to respond to each temptation with clarity and purpose. He said no to economic power, choosing instead to teach us to care for those in need and to share from our abundance. He said no to political power, showing us that loving both neighbor and enemy has the power to transform the world. He said no to religious power, reminding us that God’s love is freely given to all because God loved us first.

The prophet Isaiah describes a fast rooted in justice, compassion, and right relationship: “Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking off every yoke?” [IS 58:6]

The fast God desires from me is one of reconciliation; of healing division rather than fueling it. God is calling me to deepen my commitment to feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, and proclaiming a Gospel of peace, love, and inclusion.

And, I’m quite positive that I am called to fast from salmon patties.

Every Day.