Fasting is more – community inspires us
Lent is often associated with abstinence and deprivation, and there were indeed times when fasting had an oppressive meaning. People were forced to fast without knowing why they were doing it. This forced fasting left a bad taste that can still be felt today.
“Tanzanian Sisters on a mountain - lent time to change the view"
However, we should not only see Lent as a time of compulsion and deprivation. Rather, we should see it as a time of voluntary self-reflection and spiritual growth. If we decide together to give up certain things during Lent, be it food, certain habits or negative thoughts, then we can benefit much more as a community than if everyone were to fast on their own.
In a community, we find support and encouragement to achieve our goals. We can learn from each other and inspire each other. Lent thus becomes a time of community in which we accompany each other on our spiritual journey.
Fasting – cleansing for a new beginning
But Lent is more than just a time of abstinence. It is a time of new beginnings, change and renewal. It reminds us that we are not bound by our old habits and patterns, but that we have the opportunity to change our lives and move forward.
A monk lives his whole life according to the principles of Lent, says Benedict. His life is a constant new beginning, a life of the free spirit that does not allow itself to be restricted by external constraints and limitations. As a role model for us all, the monk shows that a life of spiritual freedom and inner peace is possible if we are prepared to let go of our selfish desires and cravings.
~ Prior, Fr. Anastasius Reiser, OSB