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Every Lent, as the church invites us to draw closer to the Lord, it calls us to take up the ancient practice of fasting.
Every Ash Wednesday, we are urged to return to the Lord “with fasting, and weeping, and mourning” as we turn away from our sins and seek God’s mercy. Every year, we are called to “blow the trumpet in Zion” and “proclaim a fast” (Joel 2:12,15).
Even though God’s people have been fasting for thousands of years, this revered practice has declined in recent decades. Part of the problem is that we live in a culture that emphasizes instant gratification. Part of the problem is that society doesn’t see much value in self-discipline or self-denial. As a consequence, we do not always see the value in fasting.
Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food or drink for a period of time in order to focus on spiritual growth. By denying ourselves these physical pleasures—which are not bad in and…
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This article is so real. This year I became involved in RCIA and I have been Catholic for years.. My parish sent me to a training class in Tuson AZ and during that time while I was learning about journeying with others becoming Catholic, being in the desert help me to become closer to God to see what is really important in my life. Now, Lent is here and I am ready to give more to God in any way possible to help others to do also. Great article.
I am presently going thru RCIA. This is the best description of fasting I’ve ever heard. What a great website!