Fasting - an emptying of ourselves.

Fasting - An emptying of ourselves.

In the article ”Wilderness Experience,” I used the three attributes of Loneliness, Emptiness, and Dryness to explain how each can become a block to allow God’s presence to make a positive entrance within us if we do not use their essence in our walk with God.

As Lent arrives many search for a positive approach that will be the proper sacrifice to prepare us for our journey to Easter.  Fasting, Prayer, and giving Alms become a choice for some discerning which one will have a meaning for them.

When we decide to make a decision, find the one that will make an impact on our understanding of its essence and then seek the positive outcome for the choice you’ve made.  

In the Wilderness Experience an emptying of excess baggage can always leave space for the entrance of Christ within us.   Of course Jesus warned us here, “When an unclean spirit goes out of a person it roams through regions searching for rest but finds none.  Then it says, “I will return to my home from which I came.”  But upon returning, it finds it empty, swept clean, and put in order.  Then it goes and brings back with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that person is worse than the first.   Thus it will be with this evil generation.  (Mt 12: 43 - 45). 

An empty soul, that is cleansed of all the excess baggage, must fill that emptiness with Christ, especially when seeking a meaningful choice for Lent.   It isn’t how much you decide

 to do for others that will make a difference; it is how much you find Christ in your heart and invite him in to dwell with you.  That will also refresh your dryness and secure that loneliness as well as the emptiness.  Too often many choose to give up candy as if this will make a difference.  Choose to fill yourself with grace which can only come through your faith in the one who came to earth and brought forgiveness for your sins.  

My hope is that anyone reading this will take a serious look at what the ashes really meant the moment you heard, “Turn away from sin, be faithful to the Gospel” as the celebrant blessed you with ashes.  Let’s make this Lent a  period of finding Christ in our hearts and not a  calorie reduction that doesn’t always work.  

An intent is not to put down the attempt of many who will do their best to eliminate something from their only need for satisfaction for Christ.  I applaud their thinking of finding a way to give up something close to them and increase their faith as best they can.  However, perhaps the catechesis of the past was misguided and perhaps too easy of a way to prepare for Easter during these 40 days.  

Whatever the manner of sacrifice, remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, given for you and me.  Keep that essence of Christ’s love for us

Ralph B. Hathaway