Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Lent: A Call to Fast and Feast

Lent, a time to start over, a call to transformation.  A turning away from the old self to the true self, the self God intended for us to be.  Sometimes this can seem overwhelming, especially when we reflect on our sinfulness.  However, even though the season of Lent calls for us to examine our sinfulness, the Lord also calls us to renewal.  Let us then not dwell on our sinfulness, but learn from it and move forward this Lent, with a new spirit, as an example to others of the Lord's joy, promise and salvation.  Let us not only fast, but feast on the Lord's goodness and the goodness he calls us to!

I had the pleasure to attend Ash Wednesday Mass today at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in San Dimas, CA.  Fr. Peter Dennis, who said the mass, is a beautiful and witty older Irish Sacred Heart priest that is truly refreshing.  He always puts things in proper perspective, simple, yet profound.  He shared the following reflection,

"Lent:  A Call to Fast and Feast:"

Fast from judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the oneness of all.
Fast from the darkness around us; feast on the light of JESUS within us.
Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of GOD.
Fast from actions that pollute; feast on deeds that purify.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from pessimism; feast on hope.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from guilt; feast on freedom.
Fast from complaining; feast on complementing.
Fast from stress; feast on self-care.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from selfishness; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from apathy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from idle gossiping, feast on spreading the good news.
Fast from being so busy; feast on peaceful silence.
Fast from being in control; feast on letting go.

As I look at this list, it enhances the meaning of fasting, it transforms it and brings it to a heighten and even more challenging level.  It gives me hope that I can change my sinfulness, my old habits and "feast" on new ones.  I appreciated this joyful, hopeful and optimistic view of Lent and I hope that you do too.  Let us remember, Lent is not a time to be gloomy, but reflective with a joyful attitude and symbol to others.

I wish you a very blessed and hopeful Lenten season.

Citation:

"Lent:  A Call to Fast and Feast." Ash Wednesday Mass.  Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, San Dimas, CA.  March, 09, 2011.
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12 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 9, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    What a wonderful article. It gives us such incite in things to do and think about for this Lenton season.

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  2. Daily GraceMarch 9, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    Absolutely fabulous!

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  3. JagetteMarch 9, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    Thanks for sharing this message with us.

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  4. jekMarch 10, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    Thank you. I was so happy that Fr. Dennis shared this Lenten reflection. Happy Lent to you all. Peace and all good things to you

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  5. ConstanceMarch 10, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    What a wonderful list! I need these reminders constantly. It would be worth printing and putting it on my refrigerator. I am visiting your lovely blog from A Holy Experience. I wish you many blessings this Lenten season.

    Constance

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  6. jekMarch 10, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Thank you Constance for stopping by. I too wish you a beautiful season of transformation and reflection.

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  7. TeenaMarch 10, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Thanks... your words speak volumes.

    Hugs,
    Teena

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  8. jekMarch 11, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Thanks, Teena. I must give the credit to Fr. Dennis and thank him again for this beautiful message. It spoke to me too and am happy it was meaningful to others. Happy Lent.

    Peace and all good things,
    JEK

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  9. kamMarch 12, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    Nicely done. It is good to look to the other side of Lent. No matter how deep we go into the desert it's good to keep the gloom out of it.

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  10. jekMarch 13, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    Thank you, Kam. I think it will be a good reminder throughout Lent. God bless.

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  11. AnonymousApril 10, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    I love this reflection - some really good food for thought. Thanks!

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  12. jekApril 10, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    Thank you Dana. It is good to reflect on throughout the season. God bless.

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