Matthew 6:17-18 When you fast, do not be grieved like the hypocrites

At the heart of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers us a profound teaching about fasting, a spiritual practice common to many religions. In Matthew 6:17-18, Jesus instructs us on the correct way to fast, emphasizing the importance of humility and sincerity.

We must remember that fasting, in addition to being a spiritual practice, is also an act of reflection and connection with God. During this period of voluntary food deprivation, we can focus on our spiritual strengthening. When we fast, we find answers to our doubts and strengthen our faith. Fasting also allows us to practice gratitude, where we value the food we receive daily. Furthermore, by abstaining from food, we can analyze ourselves more deeply, understand our inner selves and our desires and needs. Fasting is not only a renunciation, but also an opportunity for spiritual growth and strengthening our relationship with the divine.

Matthew 6:17-18 – “ And when you fast, do not be grieved like the hypocrites; for they disfigure their faces, so that it appears to men that they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you publicly.”

Matthew 6:17-18 teaches us that the practice of fasting must be done with humility and genuine devotion, and when practicing fasting, we must come to God with a pure heart, seeking to connect with God in an intimate and sincere way. It is extremely important to remember that the act of fasting is essential for a Christian’s life and its real objective will never be to seek recognition or praise from people, but rather to cultivate a relationship of trust and gratitude with the heavenly Father. Therefore, when fasting, let it be an act of love and devotion, which strengthens your spirituality and brings you closer to the divine presence in your heart.

The Importance of Humility in Fasting

In verse 17, Jesus warns us against practicing fasting for the purpose of being seen and praised by others. He teaches us that fasting must be an intimate and personal practice, carried out with two essential elements in the Christian life, which are humility and sincerity of heart. When we fast in secret, we are demonstrating our faith and pure devotion, without the need for external approval, following the example of humility and love that Jesus left us.

Jesus warns those who, when fasting, look sad and disheveled so that people realize that they are fasting.

As Christians we must understand that the true value of kindness and devotion lies in sincerity and the genuine desire to do good, without expecting anything in return. When we act with detachment from results or the approval of others, we are more aligned with the pure and noble essence of these practices. May we always remember that the true reward is in the kindness we spread and the love we share with the world around us.

The Reward of Fasting

When we fast with humility and sincerity, God promises us a reward. In Matthew 6:18, Jesus says that our Father, who sees in secret, will reward us in public.

He encourages us to fast not to be seen by others, but as a personal and intimate spiritual practice. Fasting can strengthen our connection with God, help us cultivate discipline and gratitude, and remind us of the importance of renunciation in the name of faith. By engaging in this practice with an open heart, we can reap the fruits of peace, spiritual clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose in our journey of faith. May we fast with humility and faith, trusting that God recognizes our efforts and blesses us in ways we don’t always immediately understand.

This reward is not necessarily material or visible, but may be a sense of peace, a greater understanding of God, or spiritual growth.

This type of reward can bring a deep serenity to our lives, allowing us to see beyond what is tangible. Connecting with something beyond the natural, spiritual strengthening, and understanding God all provide us with significant inner growth. By nurturing our spirit, we are investing in our emotional and mental well-being, strengthening our ability to deal with life’s challenges in a more balanced and compassionate way. It is a valuable and intangible gift that enriches our personal journey in a unique and profound way.

Fasting and Prayer

Fasting, according to the Holy Bible, is a practice that can increase the effectiveness of our prayers, by demonstrating our humility before God and our willingness to dedicate ourselves to Him in search of guidance and strength. Each time we fast, we tune in to God more deeply, becoming more receptive to God’s voice and, at the same time, strengthening our faith.

Furthermore, fasting helps us focus on God while praying, as we set aside all things of the secular world and direct our attention to God and His will in our lives. This practice helps us move away from the distractions of the material world and bring us closer to the divine, allowing for deeper and more intimate communication with the Creator.

Fasting and prayer are powerful spiritual practices that, when combined, can broaden our focus and connection with the divine. Fasting, by abstaining from food or other activities, allows our mind and spirit to purify themselves, achieving greater spiritual sensitivity.

Prayer, in turn, is the way we communicate with God, expressing our desires, thanks and seeking divine guidance. When we combine fasting with prayer, we create a conducive environment to get closer to God, hear His voice and feel His transformative power in our lives.

Thus, by fasting and praying, we open space for the presence of God to manifest itself more clearly and intensely in our being, strengthening our faith, renewing our strength and leading us along paths of light and peace. May we cultivate these practices with sincerity and devotion, reaping the fruits of an intimate and powerful relationship with the Creator.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teaching on fasting in Matthew 6:17-18 reminds us that our devotion to God must be sincere and humble. It doesn’t matter if we are fasting or performing any other act of devotion, what matters is the state of our heart. When our actions are motivated by love for God and not by the desire for recognition, we are truly living according to the teaching of Jesus.

In short, fasting is a profound spiritual practice that can help us grow in our faith and draw closer to God. However, it is important to remember that fasting must be practiced with humility and sincerity, with the heart focused on God and not on the approval of others. Thus, we can experience the true reward of fasting, which is the blessing and presence of God in our lives.

By fasting, we are taking special time to connect with the divine, to reflect on our spirituality and to strengthen our faith. It is a time of renewal, of purification of body and soul. Fasting invites us to deep introspection, to evaluate our actions and intentions, to seek divine guidance in our lives.

By fasting with purpose and devotion, we can become more aware of the world around us and find ways to contribute to a more just and loving world.

May we practice fasting with gratitude, generosity and love, always seeking to get closer to God and our brothers and sisters in humanity. May our fasting be a sincere expression of our devotion and a means of strengthening our relationship with the divine. May we reap the spiritual fruits of this practice and continue to grow in faith and love.