As we enter the Lenten season this Ash Wednesday, we try to journey with Christ in the desert. During this time we deny ourselves of certain things so that we can eliminate the many distractions of the secular world in order to be more focused on Our Lord and Savior. We make sacrifices and deny ourselves in an attempt to draw closer to the Son of God. We fast as appropriate to our health that we may experience in a small way what Christ experienced in his suffering and death. Likewise we abstain from meat on Fridays and from other things such as bad habits. However, Lent is not just a time of fasting. It is also a time for feasting. We feast on those things that show our love for God and for the people He places in our lives every moment of the day. Do not deny yourself of feasting on those things that Our Heavenly Father wants from us. The following is a partial list written by William Arthur Ward of that which we should fast from and feast on. Consider these things as just a beginning. Add more as the Holy Spirit guides you during this Lent.
• Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.
• Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
• Fast from anger; feast on patience.
• Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
• Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
• Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
• Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
• Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
• Fast from idle gossip; feast on silence with Jesus
• Fast from instant gratifications; feast on self-denial.
• And finally, fast from sin; feast on the abundance of God’s mercy.
May you draw ever closer to the Risen Lord and be blessed in his love for you.
Pax et Bonum,
Deacon Larry Maijer
