When the Homily is about Immunology

A Christian Ramadan....or a Muslim Advent?

As the Muslim time of fasting and prayer begins I am hearing tons of news stories about it. Interestingly enough I even hear Christians talking about how "cool" this Muslim Tradition is. In fact, one article I saw in the paper (sorry can't find it online) called for a "Christian Ramadan" and another in the commentary section of the same paper claimed that the discipline exhibited by Muslims shamed us Christians who "have no set obligatory time for fasting." WHAT!

Have the evangelicals so completely lost track or respect for the Church calender that they have no comprehensive recollection of ADVENT?!? We needn't look to the Muslim faith and lament about what we lack in our own faith because we have never lacked such a thing in our Tradition! It is very likely that the Ramadan fast evolved out of the early contact that Muslims had with Middle Eastern Christians who'd been fasting during this time frame for hundreds of years before Muhammed was even born.

Beginning next week, Orthodox Christians around the world (though some still on the Old Calender will be 13 days later) will once again begin the Nativity Fast which will last for 40 days, culminating in the great Nativity feast on Christmas. So, if you look longingly at Muslim Tradition, why not check out your own "lost" tradition and join us? Like the Muslims, the emphasis is on prayer and fasting...and for the Orthodox it is also a time for practicing general self-discipline and other selfless habits.

The Fast is basically abstaining from meat and dairy products, as well as wine and oil (though wine and oil are usually permitted on weekends) - let me know if you will participate with us.