Somewhere, languishing deep within, we find insatiable desire. This is a two-edged sword. On the one hand, we desire it because we perceive a good that fits our appetite. Yet, whatever satisfaction may be found in the goods of this earth, we desire still more. We must learn to rule our hungers, or else our appetites will rule us.

The season of Lent traditionally revolves around three key disciplines, namely; prayer, fasting and charitable giving (sometimes referred to as almsgiving). In today’s Gospel, Jesus affirms the importance of fasting, stating that his disciples will fast in due season.

In the strict sense, fasting means abstaining from some or all food for a period of time. During the season of Lent, there are two ‘strict’ days of fasting, namely Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, when we only eat a little. However, the entire season of Lent is a time for fasting, in the ‘less strict’ sense of eating with a greater sense of restraint. Often, this takes the form of ‘giving something up for Lent’, perhaps some kind of treat or dessert. A recent trend, which is also helpful and complementary, is to give up social media or other forms of digital distraction.

Fasting can help us to grow in self-control and master our appetites. Yet, self-discipline alone cannot achieve this; spiritual growth is always a cooperation of the work of grace. However, fasting is not just about self-mastery. In giving up a little food and by limiting unnecessary distractions, we are drawn to recognise in God alone, the truest object of our desires. In the presence of the ‘Bridegroom’, the disciples do not fast because they find in him one who can finally satisfy the otherwise insatiable desires of the human heart.

by Fr Michael Grace