When I was a child I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.  (1 Cor 13: 11a)

Some of us, who are old enough, remember when Lent was all wrapped up in a tidy package with the Lenten rules and regulations set for us. Fasting was required if you were between the ages of seven and sixty -five. It consisted of having three very sparse meals a day, consuming meat at only one of these meals and not eating between meals.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday were days of abstinence from meat under pain of mortal sin. Weddings were not performed as there were to be no celebrations during this somber season.

These rules treated us more or less as children and it was easy. We really didn't have to think for ourselves, everything was laid out. We followed, we were well disciplined and we were content.

Then came Vatican II and we children were left floundering no more Lenten rules. What do we do?

When I became an adult I put away the ways of a child. (1 Cor 13: 11b)

We now had to become spiritual adults and decide for ourselves. This is the era in which the majority of you were raised.

Many still continue in the traditional manner, considering fasting from a favourite food, a favourite TV program or some other enjoyment, a satisfying way of observing Lent.

Maybe this Lent we can progress to a different type of fasting. A fasting to move us towards spiritual maturity.

Think about fasting from what leads us away from the Gospel message, away from Resurrection. Think about fasting from actions that wound as the thorns in the crown that pierced the skin of Jesus.

Let us meditate on our prejudices regarding those of a different colour, religion or culture, on our judgement of those we consider ourselves superior to.

Meditate on our anger, resentments, jealousies, or greed for material wealth.

Pray for insight, choose one and pray for the grace to fast from it this Lent. This should be an on-going fast that does not end after these forty days have passed.

This challenging way of fasting will transform us, bring us to a new awareness of our call to discipleship and deep inner peace.

Reflections

1 Samuel 16: 7

The Lord said to Samuel " Do not look on his appearance or the height of his stature. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks at the outward appearance, God looks on the heart."

Exodus 22: 21

Do not mistrust foreigners or oppress them for you were a foreigner in Egypt.

Colossians 3: 2

Set your minds not on earthly things.

Psalm 37: 8

Let go of anger and leave rage behind. Do not get upset, it will only lead to evil

Sharon Di Fruscia