As St. Paul writes in Romans 6:4, 'We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.' This new life is characterized by a constant striving for spiritual growth and purification. One of the primary means of achieving this growth is through the practice of fasting.
In the Coptic Church, fasting is not merely a physical act of abstaining from food and drink, but a spiritual discipline that aims at transforming the entire person. It's a call to self-examination, repentance, and a deeper reliance on God. As we fast, we're reminded of our dependence on God's providence and our need for spiritual nourishment.
The Coptic Church has a rich tradition of fasting, with various fasts throughout the year, including the Great Lenten Fast, the Fast of the Apostles, and the Fast of the Virgin Mary. Each of these fasts has its own unique character and purpose, but all share the common goal of leading believers to a closer walk with God. Through fasting, we're able to detach from worldly desires and attach ourselves to divine love, cultivating a sense of humility, compassion, and love for our fellow human beings.
As we embark on the journey of fasting, we're accompanied by the prayers and intercessions of the saints and the Church Fathers. Their wisdom and guidance help us to navigate the challenges of fasting and to reap its spiritual benefits. In the words of Pope Shenouda III, 'Fasting is not just abstaining from food, but also from sins and evil thoughts.' It's a call to holiness, a call to perfection, and a call to become like Christ.
As we observe the fast, we're not just physical bodies abstaining from food, but spiritual beings seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We're seeking to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. As St. Athanasius says, 'The fast is the weapon of the saints, and the shield of the weak.' It's a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal, one that helps us to overcome the temptations of the enemy and to stay faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the stillness of our fasting, we come to realize that true fulfillment and satisfaction can only be found in God. As we deny ourselves the pleasures of this world, we discover the joy and peace that come from knowing and loving Him. In the words of Fr. Tadros Malaty, 'The purpose of fasting is not to punish the body, but to liberate the soul.' May our fasting be a means of liberation, a liberation from the bondage of sin and a liberation into the freedom of God's love.
May the prayers of the saints and the blessing of the Church be upon us as we fast, that we may be filled with the Holy Spirit and become vessels of God's love and grace. May our fasting be a spiritual journey that transforms us into the likeness of Christ, and may we emerge from our fast with a deeper understanding of God's love and a stronger commitment to our faith.
May God have mercy upon us and grant us the grace of true repentance, that we may be worthy of His love and mercy, now and forever.