Building on yesterday’s devotion, today is a day of fasting. Yet, in the fasting let’s focus on feasting because that is really what happens when we are fasting for God. We sit down at a table and begin “kingdom feasting” with Jesus. We experience the feast of life lived with Jesus. Now this may not make any sense, but just like in today’s passage, the “know it all” religious types could not understand why Jesus would sit at a table with tax collectors and sinners. I think even the tax collectors and sinners were surprised! Jesus knew that at some level we all need our “daily bread” from God. It is God’s prescription of spiritual nourishment for people who need it. People who find themselves hungry and in need or those who are downtrodden and insecure. And those who feel alone and scared. Those who other people look at with disgust. Those who admit they need God! In fact, Jesus invites all people to enjoy “kingdom feasting.” Well, except one type of person – the one who thinks they have it altogether. For the rest of us, we fast and pray. Then we feast while sitting at the table with Jesus. While you participate in a New Year’s fast today, identify ways that Jesus turns it into a feast. Ask yourself then, “Am I really fasting or kingdom feasting?”
– Rev. Patrick Quinn