Lent is the perfect time to fast from sin
Geo George - March 2024
Lent is the ideal time to abstain from sin. Fasting from food during Lent should also encompass abstaining from sinful behaviors. This season in the Church provides a wonderful opportunity to recommit our lives to God. While the Church designates certain days for fasting and abstaining from food during Lent, this practice should not neglect the spiritual aspect of our lives.
Fasting in a bodily manner serves to remind and strengthen us to also "fast" from our own sinful behaviors. As mentioned in The Lenten Manual and Companion for Holy Week, written in the 19th century, fasting is a means to an end—the elimination of sin from our lives.
"Fasting, however, is but a means to an end; and that great end is the destruction of sin. We should fast as an atonement for sin, and we should fast to prevent the danger of falling into sin. For unless we fast from sin, all our fasting will be in vain. Do not, therefore, dearly beloved brethren, fast like hypocrites, with the body only, but preserve your souls from the contamination of sin. Otherwise, you may be forced to say to the Lord, with the Prophet, 'Why have we fasted, and you have not regarded; have we humbled our souls and you have not taken notice?' And he will answer, 'Behold, in the day of your fast your own will is found.' (Isai. lviii. 3.)"
A practical approach to focusing our attention on the sins in our lives that need to be eliminated during Lent is to choose one stubborn sin to work on. It could be a habit that we want to stop. Instead of trying to eliminate all sin from our lives, which may set us up for failure, concentrating on one particular sin is most beneficial and can lead to a very fruitful Lent.
Send your feedback to : onlinekeralacatholic@gmail.com
