Fasting and Feasting

From the Desk of Father David

Dear Friends in Christ,

The following meditation was given to me many years ago but I find it still applies today. It is on “Fasting and Feasting” by William A. Ward

Lent is more than a time of fasting,
it can also be a joyous season of feasting.
Lent is a time to fast from certain things and to feast on others.
It is a season in which we can decide to:

Fast from judging on others
….. Feast on the Christ indwelling them.
Fast from emphasis on differences
….. Feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness
….. Feast on the reality of light.

Fast from throes of illness
….. Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute
….. Feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent
….. Feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger
….. Feast on patience.
Fast form pessimism
….. Feast on optimism.
Fast from worry
….. Feast on Divine order.

Fast from complaining
….. Feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives
….. Feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures
….. Feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility
….. Feast on nonresistance.
Fast from bitterness
….. Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern
….. Feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety
….. Feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement
….. Feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress
….. Feast on verities that uplift.

Fast from thoughts that weaken
….. Feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from idle gossip
….. Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm
….. Feast on prayer that undergirds.

May Almighty God help us enter this Season of Lent and emerge with our hearts and minds renewed. Be assured of my prayers and please pray for me.

In Christ,
Fr. David