Ieiunantes | Fasted | EN |

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off - Acts 13:3

Photo by Pexels.com

This chapter of the Acts underlines two main points. The first is the mentioning of the new name of Paul for the first time. In fact, Paul (previously known as Saul) who at this point has already had is Damascene conversion, is now being commissioned to go into the world and bring the word of Jesus to the Gentiles and to everyone, so no longer just to the Jews alone. This is an important point in time, as it signifies the start of a new era in terms of evangelistic expansion; because the word of Jesus is brought to those who were not born as part to the original Covenant.

The second point is a reminder of the practice of fasting, which is a traditional practice that accompanies prayer. For the early Christians, prayer is accompanied by fasting, so as to align the body with the spirit. This goes back to Jewish practices also. 

Fasting is mentioned by Jesus in the Gospel several times. Pointing out that it should be just between us and God, not to boast about it with others. In Matthew  6: 17-18: "And when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting  may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father  who sees in secret will reward you."

To signify how much we do need God, but when we are comfortable, we do not feel we need God so much. Mark 2:20: "The days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken from them, and they will fast in that day."

To allude how powerful our prayer can be when we fast:  Mark 9: 29: "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting."

Of course, fasting does not necessarily means food alone. It can be anything we take comfort in. In renouncing it for a while, we are aligning our body with our spirit in prayer.

Reflection on Acts 13: 1-16 by Giulia

(Listen to podcast here)