We all know that Lent involves some kind of fasting, some kind of “giving something up,” whether chocolate or wine or Netflix. But today, the Lord is inviting us to reflect on why. Why do we fast? Why do we “give something up for Lent”?
The Prophet Isaiah warns us against fasting simply for self-improvement. Fasting isn’t meant to be about showing how strong we are, how disciplined, how self-dominating. If we fast just for those reasons, we run the risk of following the path of the Pharisees, who were so self-absorbed, even in their religious practices, that they become spiritually blind. They – the supposed religious experts, the pious ones, the daily Mass-goers (so to speak) of ancient times – failed to recognize Jesus as Lord. If our prayer and fasting is overly focused on ourselves, we can fall into the same trap.
In the Gospel, Jesus shows what fasting is really all about. It’s about a relationship. It’s about enhancing our relationship with God. Because we live in a fallen world and struggle with our fallen human nature that constantly tends towards self-centeredness and inordinate self-indulgence, we need to keep watch over ourselves. Voluntary fasting can help us become more aware of our spiritual needs and sensitivities, as well as help curb our disordered appetites. And that creates more space in our hearts to hear and respond to the Word of God, however it may come to us. Only in that way does fasting achieve its true purpose: creating conditions in which we may better encounter the Lord.
The Apostles didn’t need to fast because they were already encountering the Lord in the most direct way possible; their relationship with him was unfolding without the need for that extra form of keeping watch.
What about us? Why are we giving something up for Lent this year? In light of today’s readings, that may be a worthwhile topic to discuss with the Lord in prayer.
Fr. John Bartunek, LC, author and Creative Director at RCSpirituality.org, an online resource providing faith formation and online retreats.
It was interesting and i could gain something gud in this lent season thank u so much . I pray for the face of Jesus light showers on my family and our well being.
It was great and hit the nail on the head. In these times, actually most times, there are so many needs and things that we feel we must do and / or understand. The Father is right in that when we voluntarily fast, something happens and we tend to become aware of a spiritual need and sensitivity and the message that the Lord is trying to relay. Sometimes this message takes us in a new direction, and sometimes it is something that we never considered before, but always it is important and the truth that needs to be understood. Very good article.
When I fast, I am in full dialogue with the Lord.
I just want to fast because of the suffering of Jesus for us. I want to fast for my sins, my sorrow and to observe lent.