Choosing Your Fast - Part 1/2
Lent is more than just a tradition; it is a sacred invitation to transformation.
At its core, it is about letting go to make room for God.
It is an invitation not just to give something up, but to wake up.
It is a season of breaking free, of stepping back from the noise and excess of daily life to rediscover what truly sustains us.
What do you rely on more than you rely on God?
We often turn to food, entertainment, social media, or busyness for comfort, distraction, and security. But what if these things quietly held us captive? What if fasting from them allowed us to see more clearly, love more deeply, and live more freely?
Lent calls us to inner renewal, a kind of spiritual spring cleaning, where self-examination, repentance, and reflection help realign our hearts with God’s presence.
This Lent, you are invited to fast from what holds you captive and discover a deeper, more authentic connection with the Divine. Let go of what numbs you, distracts you, or controls you, and make space for what truly nourishes your soul.
Before we embark on this journey together, we take a moment to reflect:
What will you fast from this Lent?
To help you decide, we’ll explore:
What is Lent?
What is fasting, and why do people fast?
How can fasting help us grow spiritually?
Pointers to help you identify what to fast from this Lent
We’ll be walking this path together, lovingly holding each other accountable and checking in regularly.
A Gentle Reminder:
The spiritual journey is not a race. There will be ups and downs, days of deep clarity and days of struggle. Some days you may move forward, others you may feel stuck, or even go backward. That’s okay. Lent is not about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s not about reaching a destination, but about traveling with intention.
So, take a deep breath. Let go of any expectations. And let’s step into this journey together.
Now, let’s dive in!
What is Lent?
Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving observed by many Christians, particularly in the Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant traditions. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday (Sundays are not counted in the 40 days). The core symbolism of these 40 days directly mirrors the biblical account of Jesus' time in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry, as detailed in Matthew 4:1-11 (most detailed account). Other accounts can be found in Mark 1:12-13 and Luke 4:1-13.
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The story of Jesus' 40 days in the desert is found in three of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Each account describes Jesus fasting, being tempted by the devil, and overcoming those temptations before beginning His public ministry.
In this pivotal passage, immediately following his baptism, Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, a desolate and testing environment.
For 40 days and 40 nights, he endures fasting, a physical and spiritual discipline meant to purify and strengthen him for the mission ahead.
During this time, he is repeatedly tempted by the devil. These temptations, each targeting different aspects of human vulnerability, represent the challenges Jesus would face in his ministry.
The first temptation, to turn stones into bread, addresses physical hunger and the temptation to use divine power for personal comfort. The second, to throw himself down from the temple pinnacle, tests faith and the desire for dramatic, miraculous validation. The final temptation, to worship the devil in exchange for worldly power, addresses the lure of earthly dominion and the betrayal of true allegiance to God.
Jesus's unwavering resistance to these temptations, achieved through his reliance on scripture and his unwavering commitment to God's will, demonstrates the power of spiritual fortitude and the importance of prioritizing divine purpose over worldly desires.
This narrative serves as a powerful model for Christians during Lent.
By mirroring Jesus's 40 days of fasting and resisting temptation, believers seek to strengthen their own spiritual resolve, deepen their connection with God, and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Easter, the resurrection of Christ. Lent thus becomes a time of introspective reflection, repentance, and renewed dedication to living a life aligned with Christ's example.
What is fasting?
Fasting is not merely an external religious duty; it is a sacred path of interior transformation and a mystical journey toward divine union. Across many spiritual traditions, fasting symbolizes purification, self-discipline, renewal, and a deeper connection to the Divine.
Though often associated with abstaining from food (such as avoiding meat in Catholic traditions or reducing meals) fasting extends far beyond physical deprivation. At its core, it is about detachment from anything that separates the soul from God.
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Fasting should always be rooted in humility and love, not in a desire for self-glorification.
Some people fall into the trap of using fasting as a way to prove their holiness rather than as a genuine act of devotion.
True fasting is not about spiritual superiority but about deepening one’s relationship with God.
Balance is key.
Fasting too much can lead to pride or physical weakness, while fasting too little can result in spiritual complacency.
The goal is to eat enough to remain strong, yet not so much that one becomes ruled by appetite.
A sincere fast is done quietly, without seeking recognition, and should always bear the fruit of love, compassion, and a greater openness to God.
True fasting is an emptying, a surrender of personal desires that allows God to take over. It refines the soul’s longings, shifting its hunger from worldly pleasures to divine intimacy. In this way, fasting becomes a tool that aligns bodily desires with spiritual yearning, making one more receptive to divine grace. By practicing self-denial, one learns to transcend the lower self and awaken to God’s presence within.
More than simply giving something up, fasting invites us to break free from distractions, unnecessary words, mental clutter, and attachments that quietly enslave the heart. It asks us to discern what controls us (whether food, desires, entertainment, or false identities) and to create space for God’s presence, allowing the soul to become more attuned to the divine.
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The connection between fasting and deepening one’s relationship with God has been affirmed experientially, scripturally, and even scientifically.
While spiritual realities cannot be measured in the same way as physical ones, historical, psychological, and physiological evidence supports the role of fasting in enhancing spiritual growth and divine intimacy.
1. Scriptural and Historical Evidence
Throughout religious traditions, fasting has been recognized as a path to spiritual depth:
Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning His public ministry (Luke 4:1-2).
Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).
Elijah fasted for 40 days before encountering God on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8-13).
Early Christians fasted before making important decisions (Acts 13:2-3).
Christian mystics and monastic traditions emphasized fasting as a means of overcoming distractions and opening the heart to God.
These accounts suggest that fasting creates the inner conditions necessary for encountering God.
2. Psychological and Spiritual Effects of Fasting
Modern psychology confirms that self-denial enhances mindfulness, clarity, and focus, all of which are crucial for deepening one’s spiritual life.
Less bodily distraction → More attention to God
Increased mental clarity → Greater discernment
Humility → Openness to God
Fasting quiets the body’s constant cravings, allowing for greater focus in prayer and contemplation.
It is also linked to increased dopamine regulation, improving mood and focus, which helps people feel more spiritually awake.
By revealing our dependence on God rather than on worldly comforts, fasting fosters humility and trust.
3. Physiological Effects That Support Spiritual Growth
Scientific research suggests that fasting has physical benefits that mirror mystical experiences:
Fasting reduces stress hormones, promoting a sense of peace.
Ketosis, a metabolic state induced by fasting, enhances mental clarity, mirroring the heightened awareness described by mystics.
Fasting increases dopamine and serotonin levels, leading to deep joy and gratitude, key aspects of spiritual growth.
Many monks and mystics have reported feeling more attuned to the divine while fasting, and modern science may help explain why: fasting releases chemicals that enhance focus, stillness, and inner peace.
4. Direct Experience: The Testimony of Saints and Mystics
Saints and mystics throughout history have confirmed that fasting detaches from distractions and cultivates divine presence:
St. Augustine: “Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one's flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity.”
Meister Eckhart: “If you want to find God, do not look for Him in fasting alone, but in a heart that is emptied of all things.”
When countless spiritual seekers across centuries report the same inner effects of fasting, it provides strong evidence of its effectiveness. Ultimately, fasting is not about deprivation but about liberation, freeing the soul from attachments so it can rest fully in God.
In an age of instant gratification, material excess, and constant consumption, fasting is profoundly countercultural. It disrupts the modern obsession with comfort, convenience, and self-indulgence, standing as an act of resistance against a world that prioritizes pleasure over discipline, abundance over restraint, and distraction over contemplation.
In choosing to fast, we step outside the relentless cycle of consumption and reclaim the freedom to desire what truly nourishes the soul.
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Modern society thrives on consumption, whether of food, entertainment, or digital content. The economy fuels the belief that people need more, while fasting challenges this illusion by saying: "I do not need more; in fact, I need less."
In Western culture, desires are often seen as rights; if you want something, you should have it. Whether it is food, entertainment, or comfort, self-denial is often viewed as unhealthy or repressive.
Fasting teaches the opposite: "Not all desires should be indulged. True freedom is mastery over oneself."
Fasting today stands against many prevailing cultural norms because it:
Rejects consumerism in favor of simplicity.
Defies digital addiction by embracing stillness.
Contradicts self-indulgence with discipline.
Resists individualism by emphasizing sacrifice for others.
Awakens the soul in a culture that numbs it.
The communal and spiritual dimension of fasting directly counters the hyper-individualistic mindset that dominates modern life. It exposes the illusion that happiness comes from external gratification, teaching instead that contentment and freedom come from self-mastery.
What can you fast from for Lent?
For this pilgrimage, fasting will be understood not only as abstaining from food but as a conscious practice of letting go, releasing what hinders our spiritual growth and reclaiming what deepens our connection to God.
Fasting is not just about physical deprivation; it is about redirecting our hearts, habits, and desires toward the divine.
Each person’s fast will be unique, shaped by their own spiritual journey. Some may be called to fast from distractions that consume their time and energy, while others may need to release patterns of thought or behavior that create distance from God. The question to ask is:
What do I need to relinquish in order to be more fully present to God, myself, and others?
In addition to these forms of fasting, I also encourage incorporating a simple food fast, even if it is not the main focus. The act of depriving the body of certain foods (whether by eating less, skipping a meal, or abstaining from specific foods) can serve as a tangible reminder that this is a sacred time of fasting, helping to bring greater intentionality and awareness to the practice.
Below are various forms of fasting that you can choose from. You may select one or combine several, depending on what resonates most deeply with your spiritual needs. You can also create your own. However, I recommend focusing on just one type of fast. Changing habits is not easy, and trying to take on too much at once can be overwhelming. We have 47 days ahead of us, and it is best to commit deeply to one practice rather than spreading yourself too thin. But this is just my recommendation, follow where you feel called.
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1. SIMPLICITY FAST: Fasting from excess
In a world that constantly tells us we need more, fasting from excess is a way to cultivate simplicity and contentment. This could mean:
Giving up unnecessary purchases or luxury items.
Reducing consumption, whether food, entertainment, or material goods.
Practicing mindful eating by slowing down and savoring each meal.
This fast invites us to recognize how much we already have and refocus our desires on what truly nourishes the soul.
2. INNER SILENCE FAST: Fasting from distractions
One of the greatest barriers to divine presence is mental and emotional noise. Consider fasting from:
Social media, excessive phone use, or unnecessary screen time.
Background noise (music, podcasts, TV) to embrace more silence.
Constant busyness and multitasking.
This fast encourages stillness and deep listening, creating space for God to speak.
3. TRUST FAST: Fasting from control
Often, we cling tightly to outcomes, relationships, and the desire to be in control. This fast involves:
Letting go of the need to plan or micromanage everything.
Releasing the habit of worrying about the future.
Practicing radical trust in God’s guidance each day.
This fast cultivates surrender, inviting us to move from fear to faith.
4. GRATITUDE FAST: Fasting from Complaints
Negativity and complaining can become habitual, distancing us from joy. This fast includes:
Catching yourself when you complain and shifting to gratitude instead.
Reframing challenges as opportunities for growth.
Speaking words of encouragement rather than criticism.
This practice retrains the heart to focus on blessings rather than burdens.
5. HUMILITY FAST: Fasting from self-will
True fasting is about loosening the grip of the ego. Consider fasting from:
The need to be right in every argument.
The habit of seeking recognition or validation.
Personal preferences, choosing instead to serve others with humility.
This fast deepens love by shifting focus from self to God and neighbor.
6. DETACHMENT FAST: Fasting from Emotional Indulgence
We often indulge emotions like resentment, impatience, or self-pity. This fast challenges you to:
Let go of grudges and practice active forgiveness.
Respond to frustrations with patience and gentleness.
Release attachment to emotional highs and lows, finding steadiness in God.
This practice nurtures inner peace and spiritual maturity.
7. COMPASSION FAST: Fasting in Solidarity with the Poor
Fasting can open our hearts to those who suffer. This could mean:
Eating simpler meals and donating the money saved to those in need.
Volunteering time to serve others.
Practicing radical generosity by giving something of value away.
This fast transforms self-denial into love, making fasting an act of justice.
8. AWARENESS FAST: Fasting as a return to the present
We often live in distraction, rushing from one thing to the next without noticing the sacredness of the present moment. This fast includes:
Slowing down and practicing full presence in daily life.
Being mindful in conversations, truly listening.
Savoring simple moments—prayer, nature, human connection.
This fast cultivates attentiveness to God’s presence in all things.
SPIRITUAL ASSIGNMENT
To be completed by March 4th so you are ready to begin your fast on March 5th.
This Lent, we invite you to discern what holds power over you and intentionally let it go in order to create space for God. Fasting is not about deprivation for its own sake but about shifting your attachments so that your heart becomes freer to seek what truly nourishes you.
Your Task:
Identify your fast – What habit, distraction, attachment, or desire is keeping you from deeper spiritual focus? Choose one type of non-food fast (though you may also include a food fast if you feel called).
Write it down – In your journal, document your chosen fast and reflect on why you are choosing it.
Prepare your heart – Consider how this fast might shape your spiritual journey. What challenges do you anticipate? What grace do you hope to receive?
If you would like support, we will reach out to record your chosen fast and, if desired, provide accountability and specific spiritual guidance. This is not about punishment or rigid self-denial; it is an invitation to discover where your true strength, joy, and freedom lie.
A Final Word of Encouragement
This journey is not about perfection but about transformation. As you fast, you will notice the inner resistance, the habitual impulses, the moments of craving, but this is where grace meets you. Every time you choose God over distraction, silence over noise, surrender over control, you are strengthening your soul’s capacity for divine presence.
By the end of these 47 days, may you find yourself lighter, freer, and more attuned to the whisper of God.
May this fast become a doorway into a deeper peace, a clearer vision, and a heart more open to love. You are not alone in this, we are walking together, step by step, toward renewal.
