As we journey through the Coptic calendar, we find ourselves in the midst of various fasting periods, each with its unique character and spiritual significance. The Coptic Church's fasting tradition is not merely a physical discipline, but a spiritual one, aimed at transforming the believer's inner life and fostering a deeper relationship with God.
The Bible teaches us that fasting is a means of humbling ourselves before God, as seen in Psalm 35:13, where David says, "I humbled my soul with fasting." The Coptic Church, following the example of Christ and the apostles, has embraced fasting as a vital component of the Christian life. By abstaining from certain foods and drinks, believers are able to focus their attention on prayer, repentance, and charity, thereby cultivating a spirit of detachment and self-denial.
The Purpose of Fasting
The ultimate goal of fasting is not to merely abstain from food, but to abstain from sin and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. As St. Paul writes in Romans 14:17, "For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Through fasting, believers are able to break free from the bondage of sin and to experience the freedom and joy that come from living a life pleasing to God.
In the Coptic tradition, fasting is not limited to the physical aspect alone, but also encompasses a spiritual dimension. Believers are encouraged to fast from sinful thoughts, words, and actions, and to feast on the Word of God, prayer, and good deeds. This holistic approach to fasting enables believers to experience a profound transformation, as they are conformed to the image of Christ and become partakers of His divine nature.
As we observe the Coptic fasting tradition, we are reminded of the importance of living a balanced and disciplined spiritual life. By combining fasting with prayer, charity, and repentance, believers are able to grow in their faith, to overcome spiritual struggles, and to attain a deeper level of intimacy with God.
In the words of Pope Shenouda III, "Fasting is a school of repentance, a school of humility, and a school of love." May we, as Coptic Orthodox Christians, embrace this sacred tradition, and may our fasting be a means of drawing closer to God, and of experiencing the joy, peace, and righteousness that come from living a life pleasing to Him.
"Let us fast with a fasting that is pleasing to God, a fasting that is accompanied by prayer, charity, and humility."