Humility (Part III) The humility of a woman

Throughout this series on humility, we have learned that this virtue is a foundational necessity for all God fearing Christians to possess in their everyday walk of life. We are called to follow our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ’s example of humility and must continue to walk in this light if we want to continue to work out our salvation. Everything we have learned about humility so far; can and should be applied to both men and women in the Church. However today, I would like to focus on the importance humility plays in the life of Christian women.

God has uniquely created women to naturally possess a nurturing, maternal character in order to fulfil her God-given duty of pro-creating with her husband (Genesis 1:28), and looking after her household. While man is to work as the ‘bread winner’ (Genesis3:16-19) These roles among many others are important roles to fill in the life of a family as the mother plays a significant and central part to the nurturing, care and general upbringing of the family. Generally speaking, mothers who are faithful, God fearing women in our community especially, also do their utmost to encourage their husbands and children in their faith through their own words and actions (1 Peter 3:1-2).

So where does humility fit in to our lives as women in the church? And how can we be humble? Well as followers and imitators of Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2), we are to emulate the relationship we have with Christ our Lord with those around us. Namely, just as we love and serve Christ as our Lord, we are called to share this love, servitude and subjection to others in the way that God has deemed appropriate according to His order of creation.

St. Paul teaches in Ephesians 5:21 that we are to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Both men and women of the Church must be subject in service to one another in the Lord. And from this, St. Paul further elaborates on God’s order of creation and teaches us that women must be subject to their husbands as to the Lord… For man is the head of the wife as also Christ is the head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23). Whether you are currently a single woman or married, these verses from God’s word apply to you. For God is teaching us about the order in which He wants us to live, and draws a parallel to the submissive order of relationship between Christ to the Father,  The Church (Christ’s Bride) to Christ (the Bridegroom) and in the same way the wife is to be subject to her husband.

St John Chrysostom explains the cause of woman’s subjection to man; For with us indeed the woman is reasonably subjected to the man: since equality of honour causeth contention. And not for this cause only, but by reason also of the deceit (1Tim. ii. 14.) which happened in the beginning. Wherefore you see, she was not subjected as soon as she was made; nor, when He brought her to the man, did either she hear any such thing from God, nor did the man say any such word to her: he said indeed that she was “bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh:” (Gen. ii. 23.) but of rule or subjection he nowhere made mention unto her. But when she made an ill use of her privilege [sinned against God] and she who had been made a helper was found to be an ensnarer and ruined all, then she is justly told for the future, “thy turning shall be to thy husband.” (Gen.iii.16.)¹

If you are single with the intent to marry, it is important for you to grow in your faith and humility in the Lord before seeking a husband, so you will be able to accept and follow this command in your future household. If you are already married, it is also important for you to continually grow in your faith and humility, because being subject to your husband can be a bit of a challenge at times (believe me, I know :).

With this being said about the importance of a woman being subject to her husband in faithful humility, we will turn to the writings of St Peter who further teaches women about their Godly role in marriage and their faithful obligations.

Unlike the secular world’s teaching about beauty, St. Peter (who was married) states that women of God should not fixate themselves on outward beauty alone, but on the more important beauty as seen in God’s eyes which is ‘the hidden person of the heart, and a gentle and quiet spirit. (1 Peter 3:3-4) These attributes are precious in the sight of God, and should also be precious in the sight you, a woman of God and for God fearing men who you relate with.

The Humble Characteristics of a Christian Wife or (wife to be to attain now):

1.      Submissive / subject to husbands: In God’s given order (1 Peter 3:5, Ephesians 5:22)

2.     Godly conduct: Husbands will observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear (of God) and be encouraged by your faithfulness. (1Peter 3:2)

3.     Gentle and quiet spirit: The true beauty of the heart; which is incorruptible beauty and very precious in the sight of GOD. (1 Peter3:3-5)

We can also learn much about how a humble women is to live her life under Christ’s Lordship in every situation and circumstance when we look to the various women in the Bible and throughout Church history and learn from their examples of living in Godly humility:

Sarah – willingly and without disagreement with her husband, followed Abraham as their household left the security of their known  life in Ur to faithfully act upon God’s command to pack up and go to an unknown country (Genesis 12:4-5), even risking her own life at the hands of the King of Gerar at her husband’s command. (Genesis 20:1-7). St. Peter mentions how Sarah humbly called her husband ‘Lord’.

St Mary the blessed virgin - grew up in humility and faithfulness to God and openly accepted His will and calling for her life no matter how difficult it would be. The mother of our Lord Jesus Christ continued to live a humble life with John the Apostle as her son, even after Christ’s resurrection. (Luke 1:46-48)         

Mary Magdalene – Was a sinful woman who turned to Christ and was humbled by His forgiving love and acceptance, thus leading her to repent from her sinful life and follow Him throughout her days. (Luke 7:37-38)

Lydia – Was a business woman of the day, who believed in God and accepted Christ. She ensured her whole household was baptized and showed loving hospitality toward St. Paul and his companions (Acts 16:14-15). She was a mother who taught her household by upholding humble and God fearing characteristics.

St. Shmooni - Taught her sons to stand up for their faith in God, even in the face of their martyrdom. She accepted the same fete for herself instead of disowning God with her youngest son and living a life in obedience to the pagan authorities. She is a great personification of a humble and God fearing mother. (Refer to St.Shmooni biography in 'Saints' Page)

Today, the big ‘S' word; submission (Aramaic word is mishtah-bdheen, which actually means servitude or subjection) has become a taboo to mention among women in our post-modern culture. For as soon as we mention that woman is to submit to man as her head, we start to see feminist flags being waived in protest… due to fear. Fear of inequality, fear that man will take advantage of our submission and treat us like a living ‘doormat’ and fear that God will not stand up for a woman who is living a submissive life to please Him and live in a way worthy of being called His daughter. Fear, as we have mentioned before, creeps into our lives when we are experiencing a lack of faith.

St. Chrysostom addresses this subject of Christian men taking advantage of woman’s subjection to them in his 26^th Homily: For surely it comes of extreme lawlessness when thy partner of life, she who in the most intimate relations and in the highest degree, is united with thee; when she, like a base slave, is dishonoured by thee. Wherefore also such a man, if indeed one must call him a man and not rather a wild beast, I should say, was like a parricide and a murderer of his mother. For if for a wife’s sake we were commanded to leave even our father and mother, not wronging them but fulfilling a divine law; and a law so grateful to our parents themselves that even they, the very persons whom we are leaving, are thankful, and bring it about with great eagerness; what but extreme frenzy can it be to insult her [the wife] for whose sake God bade us leave even our parents? ²

When we read the verses of 1 Peter3:1-6 in their immediate context, and read the verses following 1 Peter 3:7-9; St. Peter is also teaching husbands by the same token to ‘likewise’ or ‘in the same way’ dwell with your wives with understanding, giving honour to the wife as the weaker vessel, and being heirs together (sharing equality in Christ) of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

We see that Christian men are called to an even greater duty and obligation of honouring their wives as their own body (Ephesians 5:25-29), and being understanding towards their needs as the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7). “Weaker vessel” is not a derogatory way of describing the woman as incompetent, but truly God has created us to be mothers and nurturers with a softer more emotional side (we see satan tempts Eve first, as he would have known she is more vulnerable due to her emotionally influenced rational (Genesis 3:1-7). It is scientifically proven that women are generally more emotionally driven than men, and sometimes this can be a weakness, especially when it comes to relational matters.  Sometimes our emotions can also be hormonally influenced.

In all of these matters and for God’s will to prevail and guide our lives in this sinful age, we are called to attain and improve our “beauty” as women; the true and unfading beauty of a woman in God’s eyes and in the eyes of God’s sons is the beauty that comes from a humble heart, who loves to reflect the example of Christ her Lord, and chooses to clothe herself in Him (Colossians 3:12), glory be to His name. For just as the famous Proverbs 31 wife exemplifies; Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31:30). I remember mentioning this verse to an old friend of mine, who later became my husband. He said this stole his heart, especially when he saw it in action.

Just like our physical beauty, we do have days that we struggle to look our best spiritually, but importantly, our Godly beauty is one that only gets better with time. This is the noble character that God delights to see in His faithful daughters who should be living to please Him as the number one man in her life. 

Let the humility of the Crucified One” (The Sliwa) forever stand as a reminder to us of the humility, love and forgiveness that our Lord unworthily showed us and let us look up to Him in reverence and Godly beauty; which is humility, submissiveness and love, for His sake and for the glory of His Name.

Next week: Why do women cover their head in Church?

This week’s song: Lead me to the Cross – Brooke Fraser

1.        Saint Chrysostom: Homilies on the Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians; Homily XXVI, p.p. 233

2.       Saint Chrysostom: Homilies on the Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians; Homily XXVI, p.p. 241

Humility (Part II) - The Humility of Christ

Last week we discussed the worldly characteristics that make a person successful by the world’s standards, and compared them to the characteristics of humility and service that God considers to be successful for mankind by His perfect standards. We briefly explored examples of humility that were portrayed among Godly people throughout the history of the Bible, and learned that true success does not come from man’s sole efforts in the world, but from God, the giver of all good things.

Today, we will further explore the meaning of humility in the light of the life of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and learn how we can share in His blessings through looking to His glorious example and heeding His powerful, life changing words…

Humility can be defined by different people in various ways. Some people may view humility as a positive characteristic and others may hold a negative view point… (‘human doormat’ comes to mind). Mar Isaac of Nineveh defines humility as; “But a humble one in truth is he that, possessing inwardly something worthy of being proud of, does not extol himself, but is as dust in his own thoughts.”

For those of us who do not understand the importance of humility for a Christian to possess or feel somewhat frightened to live a humble life in our competitive world, we should ask ourselves these three important questions;

1.        If humility were not an important virtue to possess, why would Jesus teach us that we must be humble in order to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven?

2.      Why would Jesus painstakingly show us the perfect way to live a humble life?

3.      And why would Christ allow Himself to be the ultimate example of humility to the world?

Christ, who is in very nature God, humbled Himself by taking on the image of His own creation – man. (John 1:14). In order to reverse the sin that Adam brought into the world through his pride, the creator of all came as a humble servant, not to be served, but to serve (Mark10:45) and in turn, reverse the sin that entered the world through pride, with His humility.

The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords who was prophesied from of old, was anticipated by God’s people, the Israelites to come as an exalted, powerful Messiah King. But instead, our Great God and King chose the better way…

While Jesus was in the prime of His ministry He enlightened His disciples about the importance of living humbly. As Jesus delivered His well-known Sermon on the Mount recorded in the gospel of Matthew chapters 5-7, He started by teaching the multitude of listeners surrounding Him about The Beatitudes: The blessings of being a true disciple. The very first beatitude that was mentioned by Jesus is about possessing humility or being ‘poor in spirit’ (miskeena). “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

St. John Chrysostom elaborates on the meaning of being ‘poor in spirit’; "What is this poverty of spirit, but humility and contrition? This virtue of humility is placed in the first place, because it is the parent of every other virtue, as pride is the mother of every vice. Pride deprived our first parents [Adam and Eve] of their original innocence, and nothing but humility can restore us to our former purity.”

Within the context of the Beatitudes, Chrysostom mentions that Christ placed the virtue of humility first, as you would truly need to possess humility in order to practise the other virtues that follow, being: mournful [for our sin], meek, thirst for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers and enduring persecution (Matthew 5:3-10) and in turn inherit God’s blessings.

Pride or self-exaltation is the opposite of humility and in order to further understand the true need for us to live a life of humility, it is beneficial for us to compare the two to understand their contrasting differences in the eyes of God.  

We learn from the ‘book of wisdom’, Proverbs 11: 2, “When pride comes, then comes dishonour, but with the humble is wisdom”. Christ gives an example of the proud being dishonoured and the humble showing wisdom, when He speaks of the parable of the self-righteous Pharisee who thinks very highly of himself and his faith, but looks down on the tax collector as an unworthy sinner. The tax collector on the other hand beats his chest while unworthily and mournfully beseeching God for forgiveness as he acknowledges his sin and imperfections. The latter act was more favoured and accepted by God (Luke 18:9-14). Jesus uses this as an example to teach us that everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:14

The journey from exaltation to humility is not just limited to the secular environment, but most importantly it is also seen in the Church. St. Paul was blessed to see a vision or revelation, and to stop him from becoming conceited, God allowed him to suffer from a thorn in his flesh. Paul beseeched the Lord to take this thorn from him, but God’s reply humbled Paul and allowed him to see the reality He was supposed to face. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

In the Church today we can be exalted by our friends, family and Church members for the blessed character we possess or the bountiful faithful works we do for the Lord. Though we are Christians, we are still at risk of becoming conceited or thinking too highly of ourselves because of our God-given blessings (Romans 12:3). So God in His wondrous love for us, may humble us, by allowing us to experience a ‘thorn’ or ‘thorns’ in our own lives, to keep us humble and reliant on His grace and strength and to keep us mindful that it is the Lord who blesses us, so we must always give glory to Him instead of seeking it for ourselves.

St. John the Apostle further elaborates on Christ’s teaching of humility when he clearly states that pride is of the world, and not of Godly character; “For all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life- is not of the Father but of the world.” (1 John 2:16). So we understand that those with a worldly drive to succeed and be exalted to the top while looking down upon others or not acknowledging God for their success, will be humbled by God as this character is not befitting of His children. So the last will be first and the first last. (Matthew 20:16)

Christ our Lord and teacher lead by perfect example and expects His followers to imitate Him in order to share in His blessings (Romans 8:16-17). Throughout the stages of His life, He practised humility in the most challenging of cases. By being in very nature God (Philippians2:5-9) He chose to be born in a manger to a young and meek mother, and an earthly father who was a carpenter, He endured persistent unbelief and mockery from the Pharisees and teachers, washed His disciples feet, dined with His enemy, was unjustly imprisoned, mocked, punished and crucified unto death to offer forgiveness to His enemies and those who denied Him.

Jesus knew His purpose for coming into the world was to suffer and die for His own creation. He lived with the knowledge and acceptance of His divine purpose every day as He continued a humble life in perfect obedience to God the Father. Jesus also honours His mother, The Blessed Virgin. He obeyed her untimely request and performed His first miracle when she asked Him to turn the water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11). From our Lord’s example we learn that honouring our parents, even at times where we may think we are right, shows humility.

Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus being viewed as someone who was unlike the esteemed teachers and Pharisees of the day, who loved to be held in high esteem and honoured in public (Matthew23:4-7). Though He was humble in character, when He spoke and taught, He was recognised as having Godly authority that attracted the attention of His listeners (Matthew 7:28-29). When we are placed in a position of power or authority, we too should not abuse it, or use our position to belittle or exploit our subordinates, but always think of others more highly than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4); this is a true act of humility.

Though He was perfect, without sin or blame, the only righteous one in the world, He humbled Himself in order to serve His God-given purpose and display His immeasurable love to us unrighteous sinners. (Isaiah 53:7-8). God confirms His Word to us (the humble receive exaltation) through His Son, when Christ is resurrected from the dead as the first-fruits for us to follow and now sits in authority of the World at the right hand of the Father. (Hebrews 1:3-4)

Christ indeed did not come to be served, but to serve… His greatest service to us was showing us the abundance of His humility through His forgiveness and love which were exemplified in His birth, life and ultimate death the cross to atone for our sins while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). As believers and followers of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, it is now our duty to repay Him in gratitude for our salvation, by showing obedience to God, His servants and the Church by unworthily offering our life to Him as a service; in humility, love and good deeds (Romans 12:1-2) knowing that when we are humbly serving others, we are in fact serving our Lord Jesus Christ, glory to His name. (Matthew 25:44-45)

…Blessed are the poor in spirit (humble) for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Continued Next week: Humility Part III – Humility of women

This week’s song: Shamasha John Khio – Ya Parooqa

Humility (Part I) Why less is more?

The measurement of success that we see in the world today is reliant on possessing wealth and prosperity in order to gain power. This is evident when we observe the society that surrounds us and the media that clearly points to the wealth of man, their dependence on a thriving economy and their reliance on a glorified status that starves for an abundance of material possessions to bring us “joy”. These formed ideals today are what “make us or break us” in 'eyes of the world'.

Because of these wide-spread ideals we can easily distinguish and categorize the powerful people in this world from the ‘lower class citizens’ who are so often looked down upon. It only takes a brief look at the powerful people of today to learn about the meaning of 'success' in the world. If we look to the latest Forbes Magazine to find out who today’s ten most powerful and successful people in the world are, the pages are usually graced by the faces of Carlos Slim Helu, owner of Telecom, Bill Gates Founder of Microsoft, (Forbes.com/billionaires), Barrack Obama, The US President, Oprah Winfrey and the list goes on…  These people have become role models to so many who aspire to gain the riches, success and power that these people personify.

The author of the Bible however, teaches us otherwise. Unlike Forbes Magazine or the Business Review Weekly, that teach us 'success' is measured by attaining a high position of wealth, prestige and power, we witness in the Bible, and throughout Christian history, that the most successful leaders and people who truly made a positive difference in this world were those who were chosen to work for God Himself (CEO’s for God if you will). They were humble, simple people who instead of exalting themselves by the world’s standards and sought power of their own, chose to live a simple life under God’s Lordship and authority.

Unlike the world’s teachings and values, God clearly tells us that true success and exaltation comes not from proud self-glorification, and ignorance toward Him, but from God Himself. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).  Sincere humility of heart stems from our faithfulness towards God. When we have accepted God as the ruler of our lives (Isaiah 9:7) we live our lives in service to Him, and He will promote us, or exalt us in His perfect way, and in His perfect timing (1Peter 5:6).

Let us look to the Bible's TOP TEN - Humble Servants (in chronological order):

1.      Noah – Noah found favour through it [humility] and it saved him, as it is written, God said to him, "I have seen you righteous and perfect in this generation" (Gen. 7:1) (Aphrahat) God saved his servant Noah and his family from the great flood that destroyed the world by sheltering them in the ark that God had advised him to build. It is through divine grace that Noah, his family and the world had its second chance of life.

2.      Abraham -  Abraham came near to it [humility] and he was an inheritor in the land of life. He fell down before God and humbled himself like dust and ash (Gen. 18:27). (Aphrahat) The Patriarch of God’s people and inheritor of the promise started out as a simple shepherd in the city of Ur of the Chaldeans and evolved to the become the Patriarch of Israel due to his unmoving faith in the One and Only God.

3.     Jacob –was destined to serve his older twin brother Esau according to tradition and miss out on becoming the benefactor of the birth right that was entitled to the eldest sibling. Esau was a skilful hunter who was favoured by his father and Jacob was a simple man, dwelling in tents (Genesis 25:27-28). Although Esau was the exalted and esteemed brother in their father’s sight, God’s prophecy to their mother (Genesis 25:23) was fulfilled and we see Jacob receive the birth right and blessing that was traditionally entitled to Esau.

4.      Joseph – was held in higher regard by his father Jacob than his other brothers. Instead of boastfully throwing their father’s favour in their faces, he humbly went about his existence in the family until he was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and ended up in prison. Joseph’s humility was exemplified while he was a prisoner when he glorified God’s work in His life instead of glorifying himself (Genesis 40:8) and again after God exalted Joseph to the position of a powerful leader of Egypt under Pharaoh, he helps his brothers in their time of need even after enduring the hateful betrayal they showed him in the past. (Genesis 45:4-8)

5.     Moses – Was raised in Pharaoh’s household and was exalted and esteemed as a prince of Egypt. He chose to leave his life of wealth and power to serve the God of his people and help them escape slavery. In his humble state and old age, God calls Moses to save His people Israel from slavery to the Egyptians and lead them to know God and His laws, to lead them through the wilderness and eventually to the entrance of the Promised Land. (Numbers12:3)

Moses conquered and humbled the whole pride of Pharaoh through his humility (Ex. 3:11). (Aphrahat)

6.     David – A humble shepherd boy, who did not possess the characteristics of a King by man’s standards, yet was chosen by God for this position because of his humility and faithfulness to God at heart. (1Samuel 16:6-13). We see the humble shepherd David battle the giant Goliath through his faith in God, and against all odds, he defeats the giant and is esteemed in King Saul's eyes (1 Samuel 17:43-50) and ultimately exalted when He is later crowned King and ruler of Israel.

The humility of David conquered the pride of Goliath (1 Sam. 17:40-51), who threatened him with anger. (Aphrahat)

7.      The Virgin Mary – The blessed Virgin exalts God in her song and illustrates to us her state of humility and God’s exaltation of her:

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my sprit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

For He who is mighty had some great things for me, and holy is His name… (Luke 1:46-49)

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He has put down the mighty from their thrones.

And exalted the lowly. (Luke 1:51b-52) 

The Virgin Mary was a simple young girl, who was and forever will be honoured as the Blessed Virgin Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.

8.  John the Baptist – Was prophesied to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ. “And you child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways (Luke 1:76). John lived an ascetic life of humility in poverty and fasting. His life was not governed by serving his body and its desires, but rather his focus was on Christ; the coming Lord. He lived in the wilderness and was clothed in camel’s hair and a leather belt and he ate locusts and wild honey. John famously gives a statement to his disciples that epitomises his humility and serves as an example for all Christians to aspire to and follow; “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease”. (John 3:30)

9.     St. Paul – A Pharisee of Pharisees, and a Hebrew of Hebrews as he states about himself (Philippians 3:4-6), was a prominent leader among Jewish religious circles and highly esteemed as a knowledgeable Pharisee in the community. Though for Christ’s sake, he surrendered all of his glory and the security that came from his ignorant life toward Christ, and painfully and faithfully toiled to spread the gospel of Christ even unto his death (Philippians 3:7-11). St. Paul became a tent maker to support his ministry and humbly relied on the hospitality of Christian Churches whom he had worked to convert through God’s grace.  He had experienced both worldly prosperity and Godly humility (Philippians 4:12), and knew the secret of true contentment; he lived with the assurance that he can do all things through Christ who strengthened him. (Philippians 4:13).

10.  Jesus Christ – Glory be to His name, is the ultimate example of humility and sacrifice to mankind. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Again St. Paul illustrates the true humility of our Lord and God Jesus Christ in Philippians 2:5-11. Though He was God, He chose to take on flesh and humble Himself unto death on the Cross for our sake. During His ministry on earth, Jesus taught His followers about the importance of humility (we will further explore Christ’s teachings and practise of humility in Part II of this series).

All of these people had a very significant role in fulfilling God’s plan of salvation through opening the door to the prophesies and promises of the coming Messiah that would ultimately culminate in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

These faithful people lived as humble, simple servants of God, though at some point in their lives, God exalted them to such a high standing, that even today, over two thousand years later, we recognise these servants and admire their faithful and humble works which should encourage us to follow in their footsteps. 

This is a clear and true indication to us today, that the words of our Lord Jesus Christ are indeed a fulfilment of the truth; that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11). Truly the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God, (1Corinthians 3:19) for God considers wise those who are humble (James 3:13) and blesses them with a share more profitable than stocks and annuity, but with an inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Continued next week… Part II: Humility explored in the life of Jesus Christ

This week’s song: The time in between – Francesca Battistelli

"Fasting to save my life" (Part III) Fasting of our Church fathers and Church today

In previous articles, we discussed how fasting strengthens us against the spiritual battle in the wilderness of this world.  How these earthly temptations have been around since the time of the first man and have evolved and grown by way of their delivery over the centuries.

During this series of “Fasting to save my life” we have seen how fasting is very relevant for all Christians to observe, we saw how Christ Himself fasted, and how we have been taught by our Church forefathers to emulate Christ’s example of fasting to overcome temptation and strengthen our faith. Today we look to our Church forefathers examples and teachings of fasting; the different types of fasts they observed and the fasts that our Holy Church teaches us to observe today.

To learn more about people who faithfully fasted, let us turn to history and witness some of the various examples of people who fasted for varied reasons:

1.      Fasting in the presence of God:

When Moses was in the presence of God on Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights, he didn’t have the need to eat as being in the presence of the Lord sustained him. (Exodus 24:18)

2.     Fasting before taking on an important ministry:

After Jesus’ baptism, He was lead into the wilderness for forty days and forty nights and fasted all the while, despite the many temptations that satan placed in His way. This was an important time for Jesus to spend in total worship and reliance on God. After He completed His fast in solitude, Jesus officially began His ministry. (Matthew 4:1-11)

3.     Fasting before an important decision is made to align with God’s will: The leaders of the church in Antioch prayed and fasted before being led by the Holy Spirit to lay their hands (Syameedah) on Barnabas and Saul (Paul) Acts 13:1-3.

4.     Fasting and Prayer to strengthen faith The Disciples were instructed by Jesus to fast and pray in order to exorcise a deaf/mute demon (Mark 9:29). Our Holy Saints also fasted in various ways (see the types of fasts mentioned below) in order to uphold their ascetic life.

5.     Fasting and Repentance: Prayer and fasting in Jesus’ name is required for beseeching the Lord for forgiveness leading to repentance. (See previous blog on the Rogation of the Ninevites).

‘Fasting is not only abstaining from food and drink but also any kind of sacrifice is a fast; if anybody observes a fast from evil things, it is better and excellent than the fasting from bread and water.’ (Aphrahat)

As mentioned previously, eating has become a major focus of our life today, and dare I say, our stomachs may even be taking priority over God. Just as Essau sold his God-given birth right to his brother Jacob for a bowl of lentil soup, demonstrating that he lived in the moment, (described as a fornicator) to please his bodily hunger over what was given to him as a blessing from God (Genesis 25:30-33; Hebrews 12:14-17).

Today, some of us may see the relevance of fasting, but like Essau may think it is too hard, or “we will die if we don’t eat this and that”. But when we know that abstaining from foods and sinful practises are pleasing to God we should try our best to withhold ourselves from satisfying our bodily cravings reminding ourselves that this sacrificial action will be edifying our soul. Fasting does not only limit us to withholding from eating certain foods alone, but also makes us conscious of sinful, unrighteous deeds and thoughts, which therefore helps us to try abstain from these and focus on our spiritual life.

Aphrahat mentions the various types of fasts that took place among our faithful Saints and forefathers and can be observed by faithful today:

Pure fast is excellent before God and is guarded as a treasure in heaven. And it is a weapon against the evil one and a shield intercepting the arrows of the enemy (Eph. 6:16). And I have not said this according to my way of thinking, but according to the Holy Books which have shown us beforehand that the fasting was a helper in all times for those who have fasted truly. For fast, my beloved, was not only this (abstaining) from bread and water, but many are the observances of fasting.

1.      For there is he who fasts from bread and water until he will hunger and thirst.

2.     And there is he who fasts to remain in virginity, who hungers but does not eat; who thirsts but does not drink; and this fast is more excellent.

3.     And he who fasts in holiness (sexual abstinence) and it is (also) fasting. (Such as our Bishops, Metropolitans and Patriarchs who are in constant fasting in addition to fasting from meat, pork and chicken).

4.     And there is he who fasts from flesh, wine and various foods. (This is the fast that we partake in today. We abstain from flesh or meats, including all animal products and alcohol)

5.     And there is he who fasts to put up a barrier to his mouth so that he will not speak hateful words.

[Indeed, if a man fast from bread and water, he should not mix with his fast abuses and curses. For, there is only one door for your house, which is the temple of God. 0 man, it is not fitting for you that the door through which the king comes in it [the mouth], that goes Out from it excrement and filth. For, if a person abstains from all these hateful things and receives the body and blood of Christ, he should take care of his mouth through which the Son of the King comes in. You have no authority, o man, to bring forth foul language from your mouth. Hear the things that our Life-giver said, “It is not the things which come into a man that defile him, but is the things which go out from his mouth, these defile him” (Mt. 15:11)]. (Aphrahat, Demonstration III on Fasting)

6.     And there is he who fasts from anger and controls his inclination so that he is not vanquished (by anger).

7.     And there is he who fasts from possessions so that he may empty himself for his work.

8.     And there is he who fasts from various kinds of mattresses so that he will be vigilant in prayer.

Rabban Hormizd is a great example of holding this type of vigilant prayer and fast;

He fasted for ten days at a time and enjoyed no regular sleep at nights, and such short intervals of oblivion as exhausted nature made him fall into he obtained by leaning against the stone walls of his cell; he passed most of each day and of each night in vigil, and in prayer, which was accompanied by tears. This manner of life is declared to have conduced greatly to the refinement of his spiritual nature, and to have enabled him to understand “things near and afar off”, and to have enabled him to drive away the Devil and his hosts who tormented him frequently, and came to him in forms of various kinds.¹

9.     And there is he who, in affliction, fasts from the things of this world so that he will not be injured by the enemy.

10.  And there is he who fasts that he may mourn, so that he may be pleasing in the affliction, to his Lord. (We mournfully fast on Wednesday for remembering the betrayal of Christ, and on Friday to remember his suffering on the Cross for our sake).

Today, in our church, apart from the set Church Calendar fasts which we are called to observe for our mutual edification, our Prelates and Clergy are required to fast from food and water before taking on their sacramental ministries, such as performing  Baptism.  Adult baptisants are also required to fast before they are baptised (before the presence of the Lord dwells within them through the Holy Spirit).

Prelates and Clergy are required to fast from bread and water before ministering the Holy Mysteries and Eucharist on Sundays, and lay people are also required observe the same fast before partaking in the Holy Eucharistic Service; before receiving the Lord’s body and blood and thus allowing Him to dwell in us and us in Him (John 6:56).

Of course the sole importance of fasting is not about focusing on what foods you can or cannot eat. It has a much deeper and significant relevance for the Christian. When we fast, we are consciously abstaining from the joys of the flesh, and bringing our bodies into a humble state of submission to the Holy Spirit who abides in us, helping us to live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-24), and fulfil God’s will in our lives.

As we conclude this three part series on fasting, let us always be reminded of the true and important purpose of fasting through the Scriptural teaching: One important verse is found in Deuteronomy 8:3, Man does not live by bread alone. This verse implies that physical nourishment is not sufficient for a healthy life, but man is also in need of spiritual nourishment. The needs of the body are nothing compared to the needs of the soul. We are always in need of God. It is He who sustains us and provides everything for both the body and the soul. So it is through fasting that we learn to rely on God more fully. It is when we come to this realization that we need to humble ourselves, draw near to God by living by The Spirit and grow in our faith.

This Week’s Song: Ho D’ Nooraneh Hymn - HB Mar Meelis Zaia Metropolitan

1.       The Histories of Rabban Hormizd the Persian and Rabban Bar-Idta, Volume II Part I, E.A. Translated by Wallis Budge, Luzac and Co 1902. P.p. 20