“Fasting is an act of humility that spotlights our weaknesses and reveals dependence on things rather than on God.”

Do you fast? Then feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick, do not forget the imprisoned, have pity on the tortured, comfort those who grieve and who weep, be merciful, humble, kind, calm, patient, sympathetic, forgiving, reverent, truthful and pious, so that God might accept your fasting and might plentifully grant you the fruits of repentance.  – St. John Chrysostom: (349 - 407: Archbishop of Constantinople, was an important Early Church Father.)

Gospel Text: (MT 9:14-15)

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said,
"Why do we and the Pharisees fast much,
but your disciples do not fast?"
Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests mourn
as long as the bridegroom is with them?
The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,
and then they will fast."

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A Facebook meme says, "Fasting without prayer is dieting." This meme reflects the reality that fasting is much more than denying oneself of food. When one fasts, he does so in order to be in closer union with God.

As we enter the season of Lent, let us ask ourselves about the meaning and relevance of fasting in our lives. In current Church law we have only two days of mandatory fasting: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Why do we even bother speaking of "fasting"?

We can ask ourselves what pleasures and practices we indulge in that distract us from a true relationship with God. What can we give up or do to make ourselves and our lives closer to God? Let us consider what practices we can do during Lent which would be a "fast that pleases the Lord." (Is 58: 6)