“When the stomach is full, it is easy to talk of fasting” – St. Jerome
We Unitarian Universalist like to work. Many of us are “do-ers.” We put our values in action, we live our faith, our deeds, and our creeds. What happens when we pause and give a whole day to emptiness?
That is some of what UU Fast day is all about. And
fasting is a part of our Unitarian and Universalist heritage. Begun by
the Puritans, Fast Day became a state sponsored holiday in the 17th
century and remained as much in New England throughout the 19th
century.
Whereas the counterpoint holiday, Thanksgiving, is
for praising the harvest and recognizing all that is good in the world,
Fast Day is for slowing your life and pausing long enough to recognize
what is amiss, what is problematic, what hurts.
In July of 2006 Rev. Fred Small of the First Church
Unitarian in Littleton Mass., and others in Littleton fasted for three
days to draw attention to global warming. Then in the Fall of 2006 the
Rev. David Blanchard of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of
Syracuse, New York, fasted for 30 days as a way of expressing opposition
to the war in Iraq. Many other Unitarian Universalists fast during
Ramadan to show support for our Muslim brothers and sisters. And many in
this congregation have fasted for one day in April, both last year and
the year before.
We are building Fast Day into our traditional pattern
of holidays and holy days at UUS. Some say that fasting brings them
closer to God or what is of ultimate significance in their lives, others
say that fasting helps them understand the plight of those who go
without, and still others say that fasting helps them slow down long
enough to feel the weight of this world, and the depth of their being.
We will fast again this year on Thursday April 15th.
Some will choose to fast completely. Some will stay hydrated with water
or tea. Some (especially children) will eat a modest amount of plain
foods. Fasting can come in many forms. What matters is that you choose a
form that fits your bodily needs while drawing you into a way of being
that feels somewhat foreign.
We will gather at UUSterling to break our fast at 6PM
for worship, followed by a Soup-Salad-Bread potluck, and a collection
for Loudoun Interfaith Relief. All are encouraged to bring with them
cans or cupboard items in the quantity that they would have eaten, had
they not fasted.
All are welcome from within our congregation and
beyond. If you have family members or friends who appreciate the
spiritual exercise of fasting, please invite them to participate.
Fasting does not belong to us; it is a means to connect more deeply with
our world.
Please feel welcome to ask me any questions, or to
RSVP.
Yours in Faith,
Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael
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