There was a debate in a recent Greek Orthodox meeting on fasting before Holy Communion. I see the importance and discipline of fasting. However, those that emphasize it too much miss the forest for hte trees and come from conceit, ego and judgment, much like many who meditate and stay calm put down those who get angry or show other emotions. Often, these people are not spiritual, and doing things in order to do them correctly, often missing the point, and do such things as concentrate on and gossip about others rather than expressing emotion directly.
Here is a passage I happened to open to in church for Saint Demetrios Day yesterday: n the subject: Romans `14:2-7A man of sound faith knows he can eat anything, while one who is weak in faith eats only vegetables. The man who will eat anything must not ridicule him who abstains from certain foods; the man who abstains must not sit in judgment on him who eats. After all, God himself has made him welcome. Who are you to pass judgment on another's servant? His master alone can judge whether he stands or falls. And stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand.One man regards this day as better than that; someone else considers all days alike. Each should be certain of his own conscience.The man who observes the day does so to honor the Lord,. The man who eats does so to honor the Lord, and he gives thanks to God. The man who does not eat abstains to honor the Lord, and he too gives thanks to God..."
I see this passage as having people exercise choice in their personal lives, ultimately having God be the Judge.
Here is a passage I happened to open to in church for Saint Demetrios Day yesterday: n the subject: Romans `14:2-7A man of sound faith knows he can eat anything, while one who is weak in faith eats only vegetables. The man who will eat anything must not ridicule him who abstains from certain foods; the man who abstains must not sit in judgment on him who eats. After all, God himself has made him welcome. Who are you to pass judgment on another's servant? His master alone can judge whether he stands or falls. And stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand.One man regards this day as better than that; someone else considers all days alike. Each should be certain of his own conscience.The man who observes the day does so to honor the Lord,. The man who eats does so to honor the Lord, and he gives thanks to God. The man who does not eat abstains to honor the Lord, and he too gives thanks to God..."
I see this passage as having people exercise choice in their personal lives, ultimately having God be the Judge.
