Friday, After Ash Wednesday

The Lord heard and had mercy on me; the Lord became my helper — Psalm 29:11

Fasting and acts of penance that many of us undertake during Lent are more than passing on food, or alcohol or even coffee and cigarettes. It is about wresting back control of our lives for God. It is not about external acts of piety but an interior turning to God through a decisive choice to negate self favour of God’s will for us. It is not designed to help us kick bad habits, drop a few kilos, of feel healthier, but rather so that we may feel the weight of selfless sacrifice until the full revelation of fruit of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross is revealed to us at the heavenly marriage feast of the Lamb, when our fasting will end in joy for all eternity.