The Apostles' Fast begins with a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice of the apostles, who gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel. In Acts 12:2, it is written, 'Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.'
This period of fasting is not just a commemoration of the apostles' martyrdom, but also a time of spiritual reflection and preparation. St. Paul writes in Romans 8:17, 'and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.' We are called to follow in the footsteps of the apostles, to suffer with Christ, and to be glorified together with Him.
The Apostles' Fast is a time to reflect on our own commitment to the Gospel, to examine our hearts and our actions, and to renew our dedication to the Lord. Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 16:24, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.' We are called to deny ourselves, to take up our cross, and to follow Christ, just as the apostles did.
As we fast and pray during this period, let us remember the words of St. Peter in 1 Peter 2:21, 'For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.' We are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ, to suffer with Him, and to be glorified together with Him. May our fasting and prayer during the Apostles' Fast be a meaningful expression of our commitment to the Lord and our desire to follow in the footsteps of the apostles.
Pope Shenouda III said, 'Fasting is not just abstaining from food, but it is also abstaining from sin.' May our fasting be a true fasting, a fasting from sin, and a fasting that brings us closer to God.
May the blessings of the Lord be upon us as we fast and pray, and may we be filled with the Holy Spirit, that we may follow in the footsteps of the apostles and be glorified together with Christ.