As we begin the month of Abib, we are reminded of the importance of fasting as a spiritual practice in the Coptic Church. Fasting is not merely a physical act of abstaining from food and drink, but a profound spiritual discipline that enables us to draw closer to God. In the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, 'When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen' (Matthew 6:16-18).
The Coptic Church has a rich tradition of fasting, with numerous fasts throughout the year, including the Great Lenten Fast, the Fast of the Apostles, and the Fast of the Virgin Mary. These fasts are not intended to be a mere formality, but a means of spiritual growth and renewal. As St. Paul writes, 'I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize' (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Through fasting, we are able to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God. We are reminded that our strength and sustenance come not from food and drink, but from the living God. As the Psalmist writes, 'My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?' (Psalm 42:2). Fasting enables us to quiet the distractions of the world and focus on our inner spiritual life, seeking a deeper communion with God.
The Desert Fathers, who were renowned for their rigorous fasting and ascetic practices, provide us with a powerful example of the spiritual benefits of fasting. St. Anthony the Great, one of the most revered Desert Fathers, was known for his extreme fasting and self-denial, which enabled him to attain a high level of spiritual purity and wisdom. As he said, 'The devil is afraid of fasting, for it gives strength to the soul.'
As we embark on the spiritual journey of fasting, let us remember that it is not merely a physical act, but a profound spiritual discipline that enables us to draw closer to God. May we, like the Desert Fathers, cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God, and may our fasting be a means of spiritual growth and renewal. As St. Augustine writes, 'Fasting is the soul of prayer, and prayer is the soul of fasting.'
May the blessings of the fast be upon us, and may our hearts be filled with the joy and peace of the Holy Spirit.