Is it okay to break a 40 day fast to celebrate a birthday?

[carol_b]

I’m commited to prayer (in front of the abortion clinic and more) and fasting for 40 days with the group “40 Days for Life” from February 25 through April 5. My family will get together to celebrate the birthdays of my brother and me (we’re nine days apart) on Saturday, March 28. My brother will serve appetizers, cocktails, and dinner. My mother may bring appeitizers, too. Should I break the fast March 28? Or explain my commitment and decline all but dinner? Thank you!

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

It’s up to you. Such fasts are personal devotions and may be set aside at will by the individual. Certainly, a family birthday celebration is a special occasion that could merit setting aside your fast for one day. Or, you could eat what is within the parameters of the fast and not draw attention to what you’re not eating. For example, as a guest of honor, you could take a ceremonial bite of birthday cake to satisfy your relatives and otherwise become so immersed in socializing that you “forget” to eat more than what you’ve already decided you can eat.

I should also recommend that, if you choose to keep to your fast, you not draw attention to your fast by explaining to your family why you are not eating more. Remember what Jesus said about fasting:

And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you (Matt. 6:16-18).