Fasting and Abstinence

Good morning!

Just a short lenten reflection on the fasting and abstinence.

For a meat-lover like me, not eating meat on Fridays is really a penance. (Though i have an aunty who doesn't like meat abstaining from chilli!) Somehow, on fridays, the meat hanging from the metal hook seems all the more tantalising, the aroma of the chicken just seems to catch your attention as you 'casually' stroll along. And the food you order somehow seems bland, less tasty, and you know with a conviction in your heart that something's missing.

And often, i complain..and just whine about not getting to eat meat..

But! more recently, i started to reflect on this practice. Why do Catholics even fast or abstain? Another one of the Catholic churches 'traditions' and 'practices'?! The sad reality is that people no longer appreciate the lineage and richness/fullness of our faith in the Catholic Church. Ash wednesday being a day of obligation, fast and abstinence. -"Oh, the bishop says so, so we just do it lor". How can we not reflect on the beauty of the message that entails?

Are there times when your life "somehow seems bland, less tasty, and you know with a conviction in your heart that something's missing." Rejoice and praise the Lord then! For it is the Lord's soft calling and promptings to you to invite Him, your creator, He who loves you the most, into your life!

So my brothers and sisters, as we continue to journey in this season of lent, no doubt temptations abound. However, take heart for each temptation is an opportunity for us to die to our old selves, to claim a little victory for God. To quote from Word Among Us(1 March): "This combination of our dedication and God's grace can make this Lent a real time of Transformation for us.

Look closely at the picture. Do you see the little cross hanging from the girl? I took this pic trying to capture the vibrancy of the colours and excitement of the fishes at feeding. It seems as if God has a different message to tell! Are the fish more hungry for God in their lives than us?

Lord, help us to know the beauty of fasting and abstinence, that this physical hunger may remind us of our spiritual hunger for You, for only You can truly satisfy the longings of our hearts. That in my life, You may increase and i diminish..

Rhino No. 7