A Couple of Reflections on Fasting

Fasting as an important part of the Lenten season, and many of the faithful practice this spiritual action on Fridays.  So on this Friday, I share a couple of short reflections related to fasting.

One way to begin to see how vastly indulgent we usually are is to fast. It is a long day that is not broken by the usual three meals. One finds out what an astonishing amount of time is spent in the planning, purchasing, preparing, eating, and cleaning up of meals."
-Elisabeth Elliot

Ash Wednesday doesn’t begin a hunger strike, but rather a season of self-examination, spiritual reflection, repentance, sacrifice, and focused prayer. Lent is a time to examine our hearts and lives, to acknowledge our sins, to look for the ways we are not choosing the gospel or welcoming those whom Jesus calls us to.
-Rev. Jim Wallis 
 (from Ash Wednesday: How Fasting and Prayer Could Change Us — and Our Country)