(The Nationalist, 14 March 2003)
Saint Basil, known as the Great, was a fourth-century bishop of the Eastern Church who was known for his care for the poor. He was also the writer of a monastic rule of life, which is still followed today by monks. He wrote a short piece on fasting, which can help us to a wider understanding of what it means: –
‘Do not limit the benefits of fasting merely to abstinence from food, because a true fast means refraining from evil. Loose every unjust bond, put away your resentment against your neighbour, forgive him his offences. Do not let your fasting lead only to wrangling and strife. You do not eat meat, but you devour your brother; you abstain from wine, but not from insults. So all the labour of your fast is useless.’ (On Fasting, 1.10)
Maybe we could extend that idea a bit further. Why not do some of these?
- Fast from anger and hatred. Give your family an extra dose of love each day.
- Fast from judging others. Before making judgments, recall how we wish God to overlook our faults.
- Fast from discouragement. Hold on to Jesus’ promise that he has a mission for us in life. (Whatever you give up for Lent, don’t let it be hope.)
- Fast from complaining. When you find yourself about to complain, stop and recall some of the good things that happened to you in your life.
- Fast from resentment and bitterness. Work on forgiving those who have hurt you.
- Fast from spending too much money on yourself. Reduce your personal spending and spend instead on the poor, e.g. through Trócaire.
In Lent, don’t just give up, take up. Take up prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Give up sin and take up repentance.