By Fr. Adolf Washington –
When Ash Wednesday nears, most Christians already begin making resolutions to giving-up on certain foods and beverages. Giving-up is pretty easy, especially for those already accustomed to it during Lent.
But try this. Try giving-in.
Giving up- is the easiest thing to do. You can give up many things but can continue to be unloving, lack understanding, lack being forgiving and be the least charitable in many ways.
Some Hollywood actors and people in the churches they worship at came-up with the idea of the ‘Daniel Fast’. The motive subtly suggesting a delve into Daniel’s fasting in (Old testament) and of course, promising a healthier life style, with weight-control being also being in focus!!!
This Bible-based diet has been in the spotlight after Chris Pratt (Hollywood Actor) told his Instagram followers he was three days into the 21-day cleanse. But Christian New Yorkers say the Daniel Fast, which pairs extremely clean eating with Bible study, is a popular January practice for those in the know.
“I desperately need to get in shape — spiritually and physically,” Billy Hallowell, a Westchester-based author and lifelong Christian tells The New York Post. In fact, 35-year old Billy made it a New Year resolution saying “I’m reading daily devotions at the same time [as] I’m eating healthier.”
The fast is based on the diet of the prophet Daniel, whose exile in Babylon is detailed in the Old Testament. What he ate during that time dictates what fasters can eat today: fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and grains (no leavened bread allowed — even the Bible-derived Ezekiel bread). The only beverage permitted is water, although followers can cook with plant-based drinks, such as soy or almond milk.
Christian blogger Susan Gregory even published a book titled “The Daniel Fast for Weight Loss.” Suggesting ‘spiritual benefits’!!!
We’d laugh at how quaintly some people look at fasting. When giving-up is concerned more with ‘self-enhancement’ than the betterment of ‘the other’; then fasting can sometimes become selfish and a farce.
‘Giving-in’ is a far greater challenge and more meaningful than ‘Giving up’. Try it this Lent and make it a habit through life. Give in to an argument and save a relationship conflict. Parents!, Give-in to listening to your children. Bosses! Give-in to listening to your employees/subordinates. Teachers! Give-in to listening to listening to your students. Priests! Give-in to listening to your parishioners…
When Giving-in becomes a habit even beyond the Lenten Season, your friends increase. Your view of the world around you becomes more splendid. You are at inner-Peace. And with this, yours and those around you, a life worth living.
So, are you going to Give-up or Give-in?