Not so...fast
- Gary Fritsch
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
What is interesting about a traditional fast is that we are not avoiding particular unhealthy foods but avoiding food altogether. On the surface, this can seem a little pointless. Why are we avoiding something that is not only good, but necessary for our survival?
Well, first off, we are not giving up food forever, and secondly, it's not very challenging to give up things like, well, broccoli. The devil doesn't tempt us with things that are bad (or at least does not present them that way). In all the things that we do, we are pursuing happiness. If we steal, it's because we think that what we steal will make us happier. If we lie, it's because we think we will be happier than if people know the truth. So the devil tempts us with things that will appear to make us happy, at least in the short term.
If we can resist the impulse to reach for something just because it looks like it might make us happy in that moment, then we are allowing an opportunity for discernment. This is what fasting does. We can ask why we are reaching for something. Is it out of true need, or habit, or boredom. If we can develop a habit of delaying gratification, then we can find time to discern in the more important moments.
In today's Gospel, Jesus implies that the apostles have done this discerning, and finding that He is truly good, and not just an instant gratification, they opt not to fast so that they might enjoy all that GOD is giving them.
So whatever your 'fast' is this Lent, do it with intentionality and discernment. What is the good that we are seeking? Is it a temporary fix, a fleeting satisfaction, or are we discovering and choosing those things that are true, good and beautiful?
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