Fasting from? Fasting for?

What are you giving up for Lent?

It is a question that emerges from a variety of Christian traditions. But a reminder from Pastor Manuel in his homily on Ash Wednesday, the goal of any fast is to bring us into a closer relationship {to be reconciled} with the Divine.

With that in mind, I am drawn to the fasting list that Pope Francis offered to the church:

• Fast from hurting words and say kind words. 
• Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
• Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
• Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
• Fast from worries and trust in God.
• Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
• Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
• Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
• Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.
• Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
• Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

What a list! I wonder if we might return to the list each day of Lent, pick one category, and then spend the day stepping into the practice…

One final thought ~ As I was inputting Pope Francis' list, I originally had 'Fast from pressures and be playful.' Hmmmm, prayerful or playful; I think both work.

Pastor Leah