Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are three practices that can bring us closer to God. The Church recommends we utilize these three during Lent. Last week I wrote about prayer. This week I’ll share some ideas I have about fasting.
If I remember correctly, when I was a child, Catholics were supposed to fast all of Lent except Sundays. I didn’t reach the age for doing that until the rules were changed. As a kid, I thought the rule was harsh, but I think my parents followed it. Today’s requirements of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are difficult enough, though the rule stops once you reach age 59.
I used to think about fasting as cutting out certain foods or cutting down on food intake. I didn’t see it as a religious act, but as a path to losing a little weight. I love the rule about fasting: a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. I always thought that was a big loophole because it never really said what the size of the “full meal” should be. If it was a really big meal, the two smaller meals would be bigger, right?
That’s not a good way to look at it. In fact, the rule was changed, not because the Church was against fasting, but so that people could choose what kind of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving suited them the best. What disciplines, what sacrifices, will help me the most to grow closer to God? Those are the ones I should choose to do.
Fasting is about saying no to self in order to learn that my wants and even needs cannot always come first. I am not the center of the universe. I do not grow closer to God through indulging or satisfying my every whim or desire. I don’t have to be harsh with myself and never treat myself. But I need to know I am one of God’s children among so many who also have needs and dreams. I make room for them in my heart; I make room for God.
Fast from food or drink if that works for you. We can fast from other things as well: screen time; television; gossip; demeaning others; gaming; shopping; modern conveniences; arguments; whatever helps the realization that I am not more deserving, more valuable, than others. Use money saved to help someone else. Use time saved for prayer or genuine interaction with family and friends.
