Fasting is an often overlooked or neglected aspect of John Wesley’s Method. It’s not one that you’re likely to encounter very often in modern Methodism, though it does still happen. Its most common appearance is in the form of giving up something for Lent. John Wesley frequently fasted and was particularly fond of Wednesday and Friday fasting in Apostolic Tradition. This formed part of the asceticism that gave Wesley a rather austere reputation in his early ministry. Although it might be more relaxed in modern Catholicism than in the past, fasting is still something that Catholicism – and particularly the Ordinariate – recognizes as a worthwhile endeavor.
Ironically for us, giving up food might not be the route for getting the spiritual benefit that Wesley sought through fasting. Throughout much of Western society, food is abundant and we verge on gluttony often. In this regard, giving up food might be a very good thing for us spiritually, but due to its abundance, giving it up doesn’t have the same impact and meaning for us that it might have in a situation where food is scarcer and perishable. Because of this, a broad approach to fasting is appropriate for the Method. Not only that, but also positive fasting, by which I mean choosing to add or do something new rather than give up something you already enjoy.
Lent can be a marathon of fasting that is difficult to succeed with, but smaller fasting is easier to manage. It is easier to say that you will give up something for one day than for forty days. Things to give up might include the news, social media, or television (or entertainment in general). While positive things to add might be choosing to pray more than you already do, read more Scripture, or attend Mass more frequently. This is a simple way for improving your spiritual life and incorporating new things. If you know you spend too much time on social media, give it up on Wednesday nights, for example. Or if you need to pray more, start praying Evening Prayer or a rosary on Wednesday night. The two might actually go together as without one you suddenly have time for the other.
The key is about improving. This was actually Wesley’s idea about Sanctification. Unlike many Protestant Reformers, Wesley’s theology comes very close to Catholic and Orthodox theology on divination or the beatific vision due to Wesley’s interest in Greek Patristics. The purpose and goal of the Method was to move toward salvation, health, and renewal in Jesus Christ. The improvement of one’s spiritual situation one step at a time through things like fasting is an example of this belief put into action.
We should adopt his attitude – fasting is not a punishment for you nor those around you. Your fasting should not become the penance of others. Fasting should not be something that overly frustrates or is too difficult to succeed with. It ought to be about becoming healthier.
Some may have heard about the Exodus 90 program that encourages Catholics to participate in very strict regimen of asceticism in support groups to assist in accountability. You are welcome to attempt it, but strict marathon fasting is not what I am recommending. One take away from the program, however, is accountability. You aren’t fasting alone. Ordinariate members should share with those around them what their fasting goal is because they might find that others would like to join them or help them.
Short but frequent fasting regarding simple steps helps you move toward holiness, living each day more closely following Jesus Christ. And that’s what we should all be striving toward.
Paul Caleb Roland is an Ordinariate Catholic who writes from Oklahoma.
Related articles by this author:
What Methodist Patrimony Brings to the Ordinariate Mission
Wesley’s Method Part I: Frequent Reception of Communion and the Love Feast
Wesley’s Method Part II: Frequent Prayer and the Daily Office
Wesley’s Method Part III: Form a Bible Study, Go Make Disciples
Wesley’s Method Part IV: Fasting Wednesdays, Fridays & Other Times for Sanctification
Wesley’s Method Part V: Forming Small Groups for Discipleship
Wesley’s Method Part VI: Following Christ by Works of Mercy
Wesley’s Method Part VII: Singing and a Hymnal in Every Home
Wesley’s Method Part VIII: How Field Preaching Equips the Laity to Proclaim Jesus Christ
Wesley’s Method Part IX: Holy Conferencing, Revivals, and their Ordinariate Potential
Wesley’s Method Part X: How Lay Servant Ministry Can Grow the Catholic Church