Upon hearing the word of God through the prophet Jonah, the people of Nineveh came to a belief in God and they declared a fast. Besides for losing weight (which is not a bad thing), have you ever seen the popular media giving a message to break out into a fast as a way of growing in the life of God? I think of the opposite. Isn't much of the message about gorging? Dive in and have what you want, when you want, how much you want. It is your life. Indulge and do what you like. No one can tell you what to do. You are the captain who is in charge and makes the call.

Fasting leads to the loving will of God. Through it we can learn that God is in charge and he makes the call. It is about restraint and showing us that the only thing we should indulge in is the life of God.

Just think if we did not have restraint in life. How many of us would get sick on chips and sweets? What about in dealing with our anger? How many more fights and wars would there be in our world? Think of all the addictions to drugs, alcohol, nicotine, sex, gambling, etc. that people have such a difficult time controlling.

Might I recommend a fast to you that is a little more than the minimal fast we are obligated to do now which is just two days during Lent? The purpose of the fast is to focus on learning and doing God's will. God gives us balance and teaches us what to restrain from and what to give ourselves to. Run your typical day by God and let him make the call about how you are supposed to spend it. How much TV, Internet, meetings, games and busyness should I have? Maybe even God wants me to throw out the TV and Internet- have I ever asked him if that is what he wants? I know you are not Mother Theresa but I do not think she spent a lot of time in front of the tube!

"Lord, by fasting help us to restrain from choosing dead-end roads and, in their place, embrace your grace so as to build your Kingdom. Amen."

Blessed by the BEST

+ Fr. John