We have entered into the season of Lent. These are special days of reflecting on our lives; see where it had gone, what is presently happening, and where it is going. Socrates said that " an unreflected life is not worth living." Just like in any sports, there is a need at times to call a time out in order to rest, analyze the game, and think of strategies to apply to improve and win the game. Life, in a way, is a sport. We need to take time out. Time out does not mean that we stop living or stop what we are doing. Time out maybe a change in routine and in ways.
Our faith reminds us of this important time out. Lent provides us an opportunity reflect on our lives. How it is being lived? How is our relationship with God? Where we are going? Note that the season of Lent is a preparation for a very important event. In Lent, we anticipate EASTER. Lent finds fulfillment in Easter. Easter draws inspiration from Lent. Whatever we do in Lent is because of Easter. Whatever we celebrate in Easter is because of our preparations in Lent. There are three ways to celebrate a meaningful Lent. Our faith suggests praying, fasting, and doing acts of charity. The Gospel today cites these three ancient old activities of relating with God. They will be very useful in leading us from the Lent to the Easter of our life.
Fasting is one activity we are encouraged to do in Lent. We always hear the question, "What are you going to give up in Lent?" Whatever it is that we are giving up, we can not avoid to answer the question,"Where will it lead us?" So what if I give up chocolates, watching a telenovela, meat, rice, golf, tong-its, mahjong, or beer, etc.? As stated above, our goal determines a lot the value of things we do. We are encouraged to fast for so many reasons. One is to discipline our bodies. Fasting can train our bodies to continue functioning despite the absence of some things including things we crave for. That life goes on even in the absence of some of our wants. The discipline will be very handy in case the devil will use them to tempt us. But there is more to it. Fasting is essentially an offering. We choose to fast on something for the purpose of offering it to God. We see it as a way to participate in His work. The perfect and ultimate fast was done by Jesus. He chose His life as an offering to God for our salvation. It was His fasting. He was willing to give everything to His Father. He left nothing for Himself. In the process, He was given New Life! In losing, He found it! In the same way, our fasting should be made as an offering. Yes it is a deprivation, but we see it as an opportunity to give to God something as a sign of our dying to self. By making the offering, God gives us New Life.
So, we do not fast for the sake of fasting. Our faith reminds us, not obliges us. Do not do it because it is a fad. It may have other benefits, but let us not lose its primary purpose. Do not let it lead us to where it wants. Let us lead it to where we want to go or what we want to achieve. Intention counts a lot. Whatever we decide as our fast or offering this season of Lent, it matters a lot before God even if it may be insignificant to many. God sees what is in our heart. If we offer our fast for the sake of many and in recognition of God's love to us, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
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