My sacrifice for Lent 2019 is to avoid watching YouTube videos and Netflix movies because of the excess time I spend watching them. My goal is to complete the daily readings for the Lenten season and spend this time reflecting on scripture.
Ash Wednesday: Day 1 of Lent
I believe I've participated in Lent since 2016. I choose a sacrifice and avoid meat on Fridays, but I haven't been able to participate in the fasting of Ash Wednesday until this year. Due to my headaches, a lack of sustenance or sugar (I'm not sure which affected me worse) caused severe pain and prevented me from joining. I would abstain from social media, music, or another form of fasting to participate, but nothing compares to a food fast.
The readings for today (Joel 2:12-18, Psalm 51, 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2, and Matthew 6:1-18) cast a light on the history of fasting for Christians. Fasting is meant to be used as a method of strength and self-restraint, a notion that goes against the idea of mortal survival. However, the proof we are able to fast illustrates the power of our mental and spiritual abilities.
Fasting symbolizes discipline, redirection of focus, and distance from the mortal world. Food comes as naturally and easily to the majority of the world as breathing; choosing to say no to our bodies is a show of discipline. The redirection of focus allows a person to focus on higher ideas and self because it shows that the body can, indeed, wait. Lastly, the distance it creates between us and this world brings us closer to witnessing the next world. If we can deny ourselves in this environment, we will desire Heaven even more.
If we can deny this one earthly pleasure, we can give more wholly of ourselves to the Lord. Today has not been easy, but it hasn't been difficult either. I realized how much time I spend thinking of eating; not necessarily the food, but the action of eating it. This fast has also taught me that my body is slowly growing more capable again, and I am always thankful for those little victories.
May we grow closer to You, O God, this Lenten season. In Jesus' name, Amen.
