Reflect today on your approach to fasting and other penitential practices

“Can wedding guests fast while the groom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. Mark 2: 19-20

The above passage reveals Jesus' response to the disciples of John the Baptist and some Pharisees who question Jesus about fasting. They point out that John's disciples and Pharisees follow Jewish fasting laws, but Jesus' disciples do not. Jesus' response goes to the heart of the new law on fasting.

Fasting is a wonderful spiritual practice. It helps to strengthen the will against disordered carnal temptations and helps to bring purity to one's soul. But it must be emphasized that fasting is not an eternal reality. One day, when we come face to face with God in heaven, there will be no more need to fast or do any form of penance. But while we are on earth, we will struggle, fall and lose our way, and one of the best spiritual practices to help us return to Christ is praying and fasting together.

Fasting becomes necessary "when the bridegroom is taken away". In other words, fasting is necessary when we sin and our union with Christ begins to fade. It is then that the personal sacrifice of fasting helps to open our hearts to our Lord again. This is especially true when habits of sin form and become deeply ingrained. Fasting adds much power to our prayer and stretches our souls so that we can receive the "new wine" of God's grace where we need it most.

Reflect today on your approach to fasting and other penitential practices. You are fast? Do you make regular sacrifices to strengthen your will and help you reach out more fully to Christ? Or has this healthy spiritual practice been somehow overlooked in your life? Renew your commitment to this holy endeavor today and God will work forcefully in your life.

Lord, I open my heart to the new wine of grace that you want to pour on me. Help me to be adequately disposed to this grace and to use any means necessary to open myself more to You. Help me, in particular, to engage in the wonderful spiritual practice of fasting. May this act of mortification in my life bear abundant fruit for Your Kingdom. Jesus I believe in you.