“Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning; rend your heart and not your garments.”
(Joel 2:12-13)
As we enter the season of Lent, let’s focus on fasting, silence, and reading. These practices aren’t meant to bring us down; instead, they help us connect with our true selves and understand our deepest needs.
In a world filled with distractions, fasting clears out the noise and allows us to find joy in simplicity. It reminds us to appreciate life’s smaller pleasures and acknowledges our reliance on God for strength. By letting go of little comforts, we build resilience and prepare ourselves to face challenges more effectively. Fasting is a prayer that says: “I trust you, God, to send me what I need in life”.
Silence is another important part of this spiritual journey. Taking time away from distractions helps us hear our inner thoughts and feelings more clearly. Silence can reveal significant truths about us and thus it introduces us to ourselves, to what we’re really thinking, feeling, and fear. Dedicating a day to disconnect from technology can lead to meaningful reflections and a deeper understanding of our relationship with God. In these quiet moments, we can listen to our hearts and find guidance. Silence is an act of creation of the self because out of it comes newness of soul.
Reading also plays a crucial role during Lent. St. Benedict, in particular, encouraged more reading to fill our minds with new ideas that nourish our souls. Exploring new spiritual books provides insight and inspiration, encouraging personal growth. Lent is a time for change, not to become someone else, but to become more of who we truly are.
Lent is always a call to conversion. By embracing fasting, silence, and reading, we can renew our spirits. Fasting leads to almsgiving, reading leads to growth and silence leads to change. Let Lent be the springtime of your self!
