So God has given us a great gift - fasting! "Oh no! I can't give up food! I'll die!" Fasting is not like dieting where you reduce the amount of food you intake in a day. Fasting is actually a grace given to us so we can put the material things of this world aside for a day (or several days) to make more room for God in life. Fasting is not just about doing with less food; it is about giving up something that keeps you from fully knowing and loving God.
Our beloved Pope Francis encourages us to fasting from many things besides food. Fast from hurting words, say kind words; fast from sadness, be filled with gratitude; fast from anger, be filled with patience; fast from worries, have trust in God; fast from selfishness, be compassionate to others; and fast from words, be silent so you can listen. While this is an abbreviated list, you get the idea.
Fast from your morning coffee and donate that money to charity; fast from your morning break at work and walk to improve your health; fast from TV for 30 minutes a day and say the Rosary with your family instead. If we search our hearts, we can find something that is manageable for the remainder of Lent and help us on our journey to be closer and more open to God's guidance and will.
Continue to have a blessed Lent - you are in my prayers.
No comments:
Post a Comment