What If We Fasted From Complaining?

From the pages of the Lenten Magnificat...


Friday, February 27th:


However we decide to observe the lenten fast, it ought to keep us mindful of Christ's forty days in the desert. The point is not to see how much we can give up. The goal is not victory in some spiritual athletic contest. The practices of Lent should help us draw nearer to our Lord. If chosen, there is nothing quite as insistent a reminder over the course of a day as a bit of hunger. The times when we feel like snacking can become opportunities for spending a moment with Jesus in the desert while we are renewing our offering. One of my favorite forms of fasting, however, can occur even during a full meal. To follow our Lord's advice for lenten practices as fully as possible, we are supposed to comb our hair and wash our face and not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing. We can also choose to fast from our favorite complaints! this might mean coming to the table with some conversation topics prepared - things that will build up and not tear down - in imitation of the sacred conversation that Jesus heard from Mary and Joseph at the holy family's table. The charity possible through a kind word or an edifying story might just be the thing to please God as our lenten fast.


Reflection based on Matthew 9:14-15
Father Joseph W. Koterski, s.j.


Blessed Lord, we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.


Today's suggested penance: Skip a meal or part of one.