Why do we fast during Lent?

Why do we fast and give something up for 40 days? Chocolate, games, social media, coffee – what’s the point of giving any of these things up?

REFLECT
1. How am I going with the penance I’ve chosen for Lent – things I’ve given up or taken up?
2. Have I chosen something challenging enough to imitate Christ in his forty days in the desert?
3. Is my chosen penance challenging enough to make me realise that I can’t rely on my own strength, but that I must be dependent on the grace of God?

PRAYER
Lord, you are Holy above all others,
and all of the strength that I need is in your hands.
I am not asking, Lord, that you take this trial away.
Instead, I simply ask that Your will be done in my life.
Whatever that means, that is what I want.
Amen.

ACT Invite someone you know who lives alone over for dinner (don’t forget – no meat on Fridays during Lent!)