Our attitudes during the fasting period

Another result of our misconceptions about fasting is our attitudes during the fasting periods. In addition to the “logbook” view of spiritual activities, some tend to look for social approval of their spiritual activities. This can be seen as people who bend discussions toward the topic of fasting, followed by emphasizing their efforts and spiritual activities during fasting periods. We ought to look for God’s approval rather than social approval.

Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us: “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces so that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:16-18). St. Paul teaches us: “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).

Now it should be noted that there is a difference between being seen and wanting to be seen. This can be illustrated using the following example:

An old lady is crossing the street but falls on the ground. She is visibly in pain. Someone approaches her and asks if she is doing fine, but after seeing her condition the man helps her and calls 911. When the ambulances arrive, they tell him that he saved her life by helping her while they were on their way.

The people who were watching the situation applauded him and told him how much of a hero he was. The type of person that is being seen will respond with humility, thank the Lord, and not feel arrogant about his good deed. In his mind, he only saw a woman in need and helped her as the Gospel taught him. Whether there was a crowd or not, he would nevertheless still help the woman in need as his deeds are not based on how many people will see his “heroic” act.

The type of person who wants to be seen will start acting only after seeing a crowd around the old lady and will accept the praise of the crowd. For this type of person, his deeds are based on whether there are people present or not.

An example of the type of person that is being seen, yet did a good deed with humility, is the widow that offered two coins (Mark 12:41-44), while examples of the type of person that wants to be seen are the Pharisees and the scribes (Luke 20:46-47; Matthew 23:1-7). This teaches us that our actions are measured a great deal by our intentions.