Hungering for the Lord

On the Road

Fasting is another traditional Lenten practice. We fulfill our obligation to fast by eating only one full meal a day, along with two smaller meals. The purpose of fasting is two-fold: first, the marginal hunger we experience is a reminder of our longing for God. Secondly, the sacrifice of eating less food reminds us that hunger is a worldwide problem.

Today, more than 900 million people go to bed hungry every night; 16,000 children die of starvation on any given day. Fasting is one way we can stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need around the world.

Encounter

“Voluntary fasting enables us to grow in the spirit of the Good Samaritan, who bends low and goes to the help of his suffering sister and brother. This practice needs to be rediscovered and encouraged again in our day."
Pope Benedict XVI

“[O]ne does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”
Deuteronomy 8:3

Go Forth

What bad habits, such as anger, gossiping, laziness, pride, jealousy or impatience, do I need to fast from to strengthen my relationship with God?

How can I increase an awareness of the importance of fasting and abstinence with others?