Different
Kinds of Fasting
by
Scott Stoner
Giving something up for Lent is a traditional practice
observed by many. Fasting as a Lenten discipline also has a long tradition,
which is where the idea of giving something up comes from. When a person takes
on the practice of fasting, it is not to experience deprivation but rather to
practice the discipline of delaying gratification, which is an essential factor
in all dimensions of wellness. Fasting also helps to heighten the awareness of
the nature of one’s true hunger, helping to clarify our need or hunger for
spiritual, emotional, and relational wellness.
A few years ago, Pope Francis suggested the following
list of things from which we can fast.
• Fast from
hurting words and say kind words.
• Fast from
sadness and be filled with gratitude.
• Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
• Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
• Fast from worries and trust in God.
• Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
• Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
• Fast from
bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.
• Fast from
selfishness and be compassionate to others.
• Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
• Fast from words and be silent so that you can listen.
Lent is an ideal time to be more intentional about
holding fast to the habits, beliefs, and practices that ground and secure our
lives.
Making
It Personal: Have you given up anything for Lent this
year?
If so, how is that
going for you?
What are you learning as a result?
Do you see a connection between any of these fasts with
this week’s theme of listening to our neighbor?
Living
Well Through Lent 2021
Copyright
©2021 Scott Stoner.
All
rights reserved.
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