15 Great Ways to Fast During Lent

I read a great article by Felicia Difato, in which she offered a slightly different look at Lent.  For instance, she points out that most of us tend to “give up” food or TV.  Sad, isn’t it?  Food and TV are what most Americans consider to be indulgences to be done without…and I can understand that.  But really, couldn’t you delve a bit deeper?  Besides, do you not just pick up the chocolate donut afterwards? 

Now, I am not knocking those who are really stuck to their chocolate donuts (you know who you are!)  But instead of giving up food, sweets, or television, consider giving up an indulgence that might actually change your life or the lives of those around you.  Have I peaked your interest?  Well, try one of Felicia’s 15 ideas:

1. Fast from anger and hatred.  Give your family that extra dose of love.
2. Fast from division.  Strive to be in unity with everyone.
3. Fast from judging others.  Before making any judgments, remember how Jesus overlooks our faults.
4. Fast from low self-esteem, pessimism, and negativity.  Be positive in your outlook on life.
5. Fast from discouragement.  Let’s have hope in all that we do.
6. Fast from personal anxiety, fear and worry.  Jesus is watching over our lives.  Put your trust in him.
7. Fast from lethargy.  Have enthusiasm for life.
8. Fast from the problems that overwhelm your life and wear you down.  Pray and ask Jesus for help.
9. Fast from complaining.  When you’re about to complain, try to appreciate all the little moments of joy.
10. Fast from too much self-concern.  Put yourself in the shoes of other people.
11. Fast from any resentments or bitterness.  Forgive those who have hurt your life.
12. Fast from conversations that are negative or filled with gossip.  Encourage one another with loving and kind words.
13. Fast from spending too much money.  Reduce your spending by 10 percent and have your family give the savings to the poor.
14. Fast from too much of the world.  In Lent, try to give extra time to Jesus.
15. Fast from cooking, grocery shopping, and the dishes.  This one is reserved for the Second Coming of Jesus.

Tags: catholic lent, catholic nuns, catholic sisters, fast during lent