5 Ways to Fast for Lent (apart from giving up dessert)

Fasting is one of the three traditional disciplines of Lent (the other two are prayer and almsgiving). These Lenten practices help us with the process of conversion, that is, of detaching ourselves from sin and turning toward God.

Regarding fasting, there are prescribed days of limiting our food intake and abstaining from meat. It is common and recommended, however, to fast in other ways, to make a voluntary sacrifice and “give up” something for Lent.

To understand the benefit of this, recall the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20). In order for the seed (the word of God) to bear much fruit, it needs to land on good soil. But when the land is overgrown with weeds and thorns, it represents how “worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit” (Mark 4:19). Fasting can “clear the land” of what distracts us. It uproots bad habits and unhealthy concessions to modern living, allowing us to reset our priorities.

A concerted effort to fast, to make a sacrifice, requires making a change in our daily routines. An empty space is created, full of potential. Maybe that is what out heart has been waiting for. Maybe that is what we need to become more receptive to our Lord.

With that in mind, here are 5 ideas about what to do for Lent (and beyond — there is no reason to stop any of these when Lent concludes). If nothing fits, maybe you will get an inspiration for something else.

1). Fast from noise. Take a step back from sensory overload. Create an oasis of silence and spend some time there. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

2). Fast from mindless Internet scrolling. Online content is not always edifying. In fact, it’s often instantly forgettable. The prophet Isaiah said, “Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what does not satisfy?” (Is 55:2). Remember that time is a precious commodity; spend it wisely.

Use this as a guideline: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Phil 4:8).

3). Fast from using disposable paper and plastic products. God created human beings to be stewards of the earth, to cultivate and care for it (Gen 2:15). Adding to the size of our landfills is not the way to do that. Carrying a reusable water bottle is a little thing, but it reminds us of the great responsibility we have to care for our “common home” — which is not just for us but for all generations to come.

4). Fast from rushing through prayer. Even with the best of intentions, if we have a lot on our mind and a lot of things to do, the pressure to get our prayer time “over with” might intrude upon us. Make an effort just to sit quietly. Offer God a little bit of your time.

It might be helpful to pray the Jesus Prayer throughout the day. Simply repeat softly, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner” as you go about your daily activities. If it helps, you can align the words with your breathing. You can also change the words and use your own invocation. Short prayers like this repeated during the day can help keep our souls at peace.

5). Fast from being negative. Be on guard against being critical of others, complaining, and using hateful and hurtful language. Speak softly and listen more. Let others see your smile.

We can learn from the saints.

St. Charles de Foucauld said, “Above all, always see Jesus in every person, and consequently treat each one not only as an equal and as a brother or sister, but also with great humility, respect and selfless generosity.”

And:

“Be loving, gentle, and humble with all human beings. This is what we have learned from Jesus, not to be aggressive towards anyone. Jesus taught us to go out like lambs among wolves.”

No matter how you decide to observe Lent, we like the advice given in the song “The Little Church” from the movie Brother Sun, Sister Moon:

“Do few things but do them well.”