However, when Saul's son Jonathan, unaware of his father's decree, tasted a bit of honey from the battlefield as the army pressed forward, it sparked immense anger and delayed their victory, ultimately displeasing God. As a result, the war extended, and God did not provide guidance to Saul. This story shows that Saul's success was rooted not in the mere might of his soldiers but in their adherence to fasting. The wrongdoing of one individual can bring about collective consequences, for when fasting is disregarded, the strength of the entire army falters.
Upon discovering the breach of the fast, Saul recognized it as a grave offense against God and declared that there would be no mercy for Jonathan, indicating that reparation could only come through the shedding of blood. This illustrates the seriousness of one's duty to God under King Saul, who was willing to go to such extremes with respect to his own kin. Consider the gravity of violating a fast, especially when such a severe consequence was implied. If Jonathan were to face death for unknowingly breaking his father’s fast, what fate awaits those who knowingly disregard the fast established by Christ?
Thus, dear brothers and sisters, let us earnestly adhere to the fast set before us, that we may triumph over both spiritual and earthly adversaries. We face physical foes as well, and through fasting, just as Saul's army managed to prevail, we too can defeat and contain them. We must be vigilant against temptations, for honey symbolizes the fleeting pleasures and sins of the world, which might seem sweet initially, but eventually turn bitter.
THEOSIS