The Fast

   At last weekend's annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson asked all church members as well as those of any other faiths to join together in a Worldwide Day of Fasting  and Prayer. He asked those who wish to participate to "fast and pray on Good Friday, April 10, that the present pandemic may be controlled,caregivers protected, the economy strengthened, and life normalized." This is the second time he has invited church members to fast and pray for divine help during the pandemic.
  Fasting is a tradition in many faiths. There are several references in the Bible to people fasting when they are seeking help from God. Members of the Church fast once a month and the money saved from the meals on that day are given to help those who are in need.
  Fasting always includes prayer or some reason for the fast. This point was made clear to me one Sunday when someone was giving a talk on the subject of fasting. During the talk an older woman gave something to a young boy and asked him to give it to the speaker. It turned out to be an unsharpened pencil and a note. "Fasting without a purpose is like this pencil, it has no point."
   Word of this fast has spread, at least on Facebook. Church members and others have posted their intentions to fast and other spiritual things. Someone started a Facebook group of those who planned to fast. Several people posted their reasons for joining. Some of them are fasting for a sick loved one. One person is fasting for a distant relative who died from the disease.  One person mentioned that he is fasting for the scientists looking for treatments. Some are fasting also for more peace and unity in the world.
  What has touched me is the number of people literally from all around the world who have said they are fasting and praying. There have been a few posts from people of other faiths who wish to join. They have received responses of welcome. Several have said this is their first fast and are a bit nervous. They have been encouraged and given tips on how to do it. One person said she couldn't fast due to health reason but wanted to participate in some way. Others responded that she could substitute something else like abstaining from social media or television. She was assured that whatever sacrifice she was able to give would be acceptable to the Lord. One person posted where he was fasting from and asked those who respond to mention a favorite verse of scripture or spiritual thought. Many people have posted the city and/or country they are living in and asked others to respond likewise.
  What touched me even more was the kindness and solidarity I have seen. There have been no snarky remarks. No talking about how one faith is better or more correct than another. This could be because those administering this group are not permitting such posts to be published because they want this to be a place where positive feelings, love and encouragement. I believe they are correct. There are many other places for those who wish to be contentious.
  This is what I've been looking for. I have always heard that people can come together and do great things during great trials. I'm starting to see that happen. It's nice to know in our fractured, angry culture, this is still possible. I hope once things get better and we return to whatever sort of normal we will have, that we will remember this.