The primary purpose of Lent is spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery recalling Jesus’ death on Good Friday and Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Hence, the Church leads her children to “repentance,” a type of conversion. Repentance is the process by which one reorders one’s priorities, and changes one’s values, ideals, and ambitions, through fasting, prayer, and penitential mortification. Lent, then, is a period of self-examination, prompting us to repent of our sins, and so to effect a real conversion: to turn completely to God, and to do good for others. Lent also challenges us to reform our lives by turning away from self, from evil, and from sin, so as to turn toward God and toward others with renewed Faith and fervour. Lenten observances are also intended to lead us to our annual solemn renewal of Baptismal vows on Holy Saturday. Through Baptism, we are called to live justly, to love God with all our being, to love our neighbour as ourselves, and to build the kingdom of God by our acts of charity.
Time to Fast and Draw Closer to Christ
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that teaches us detachment and freedom. It is more than just a practice—it is an invitation to draw closer to Jesus. It is not just about abstaining from food but about letting go of anything that controls us. Can we go a day without meat? Without our phone? Without unnecessary distractions? Fasting reminds us that nothing in this world should enslave us. It is a chance to focus less on ourselves and more on God, to live simply and intentionally.
There is great wisdom in the Christian practice of fasting—even though its benefits are largely forgotten. Fasting is a spiritual exercise, and as such is primarily an action of the inner life. Authentic fasting draws us nearer to God and opens our hearts to receive his many gifts.
Fasting is also a sharp reminder that there are more important things in life than food. Authentic Christian fasting helps to release us from our attachments to the things of this world. It is often these worldly attachments that prevent us from becoming the-best-version-of-ourselves. Fasting also serves as a reminder that everything in this world is passing and thus encourages us to consider life beyond death.
The Church promotes all Catholics from ages 14-59 to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. As long as you are in good health; this means that you should only eat one full meal, plus two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal.
As we begin the Lent on Wednesday, let us fast not just from food but from anything that distances us from God. Let us seek Christ not out of convenience but out of love, and allow Him to be our greatest treasure.
HAVE A BLESSED LENTEN SEASON AHEAD!
