Forty days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Why do Christians do these spiritual practices during Lent?
“Because… Jesus told us to? To get ready for Easter? Because that’s what we do?” Yes, these practices are good. They teach discipline. Yes, Jesus did them. Further, they remove daily clutter to ‘open up a space’ for God. To pray means I must cut back on time spent on Disney+ and social media. Fasting cuts out favorite treats, as well as meat on Fridays; it helps me recognize my own dependence on God. I give alms to those in need; to do so, I forsake recreation like movies or ballgames.
—> audio version here; click ‘Jan 26:’
https://www.arisemke.org/copy-of-cor-jesu-2021
We fast from unnecessary things to feast on what is essential. “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God,” as Jesus tells the devil in the desert [Matthew 5:4].
The Bible uses banquet imagery to describe true communion with God. “On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines” [Isaiah 25:6]. This is the joyful, overflowing bounty of grace poured out upon the just. Later, in Revelation we see, “Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb” [19:9].
How can we taste the heavenly feast even now? I’ll set the table with a seven-course spiritual banquet, plated graces for the season of Lent. Fast from the needless to feast on what’s needful. Try all seven this week and see what happens.
Appetizer: spiritual reading. A good appetizer is small, juicy, and stirs our hunger for what is to come. I’d recommend short readings from the saints. The poems of St Therese of Lisieux. Sermons of St Augustine or the letters of St Ignatius. Many of these are short and pithy from feisty, faithful followers of Christ. Even a few lines can stir the mind and heart. Keep a book on your nightstand; begin and end your day with a taste of grace.
teresa-of-lisieux/selected-poetry/
letters-of-ignatius-of-loyola/
Salad: spiritual direction. A salad is light, salty and tangy. It opens the palate for the main meal. A good spiritual director can help you to see how God has been at work in your life, and how God may be leading you. A good director is a good listener, who amplifies the spiritual movements in your own heart. A good pastor may bring these gifts; he knows and loves your tribe. A conversation every month or even annually can be immensely fruitful. It’s salt and light for your spiritual life.
Vegetable: reading the Bible. Some passages are savory, and practically a meal in themselves. The zesty flavor of St Paul’s letters or the simple goodness of the Psalms. We need the vitamins and minerals they provide, teaching us about God and about ourselves. Some chapters may taste like celery [Leviticus], yet still provide us with strength and grace. Ten minutes a day can make a difference to your digestion and your disposition, opening your eyes and strengthening your heart.
Grains: spiritual friendships. God did not intend us to follow him alone. God forms the Jewish people as a family. Jesus draws Christians around himself as friends. We need community, particularly a few good friends to share faith with. Some families may take time for prayer before dinner or at bedtime. Young singles may need to actively cultivate spiritual friendships on campus or at church; people you can pray with and speak with at a deeper level. It’s more fun to follow Jesus with friends; that’s why he called 12, not just one. We can live on this pasta for a long time, even if the other dishes fall away.
Main course: worship. The New Testament speaks of Jesus as the Lamb of God. At the Last Supper, Jesus celebrates the Passover, as the apostles feast on roasted lamb, commemorating God liberating the Jews from slavery in the Exodus. The Catholics, the Eucharist is the “source and summit of Christian life” [Vatican II, SC 10]. Let me emphasize: in-person worship is far superior and far messier than zoom Mass. I need to really be there in the Body of Christ receiving the Body of Christ– with the crying babies, my pew-mate’s b.o., and the so-so sermon. Online, I can crop out the annoyances like a slick instagram post. Worship the Lamb offline.
Dessert: sabbath. Jesus took a day off each week. And He is the Savior of the world, but we're too busy to rest? Rest takes discipline. It means saying No to many things so I can say Yes to one thing, that is one Person [ok, Three Persons]. Jews take the sabbath on Saturday. For Christians, it’s Sunday. What if you ran errands another day, to keep the sabbath holy? Sabbath is a day for rest, prayer, and recreation with family and friends. Take a walk. Throw a ball with your kid, who is preferably not wearing a uniform. Pray. Stick a pizza in the oven, tear open a bag of salad, open a bottle of something and eat with someone you love.
After dinner drink: service. The Italians serve cappuccino and the Brits sherry. It settles the stomach, and raises you up for the next event– a game, dancing, or a movie. Christian faith feeds us for service and action. Reach out to someone in need. Homeless shelters and food pantries offer aid to the poor and wounded. When you visit your grandma in her nursing home, spend a few minutes with her next-door neighbor, too. Serve for two hours weekly or monthly. Jesus says, “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” [Matthew 25:40]. God feeds us so that we may serve; service makes us hungry to return to the feast.
Finally, my Catholic friends may ask: “where’s Mary?” She’s the hostess.
“Confession?” Go wash up before the meal.
“Journaling and rosary and…?” Pickles, olives, and pepper.
This Lent, fast so you can feast.
Fr Joe Laramie SJ is the national director of the Pope's Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer)
He is the author of Abide in the Heart of Christ: a 10-Day Personal Retreat with St Ignatius Loyola, based on the Spiritual Exercises [Ave Maria Press, 2019]
popesprayerusa.net @popesprayerusa
joelaramiesj.com @JoeLaramieSJ