A Heart So Full
As a Catholic newbie, each of today's perfectly-strung readings highlighted, and maybe helped answer, questions of mine about the Lenten practice of fasting. The obvious question: Why do/should we fast? But there is a question brought up here, to me, that is less obvious: What's the point, if your heart isn't invested in your fast? As many of us most likely are down to the wire on choosing what we are fasting from for Lent, we might ponder what is the easiest thing to abstain from. Okay, I'll let go of Netflix bingeing for Lent. Ah, no, House of Cards is coming soon... Maybe I'll try drinking. Sure. No more beers this Lenten season, Praise God the Superbowl is over... Wait, my friend's party is in March, what if there's alcohol...
Maybe I am just over-complicating what it means to fast: Perhaps it isn't about what we can do without, but what we could do with more of: Filling up our hearts. But with what? Isaiah has some ideas: sharing with your neighbor or the homeless; those in need. Being more conscious of others' burdens, and doing what you can to help ease the oppressed. Reading and sharing in The Word of the Lord. Being a presence for those who may have no one... What might we fast that we might better have the ability to share with others? What can we do, that we may be seen by the Lord?
What if we are meant to feed our bodies less, and open our hearts to be filled more? Full to the brim, humble and seeking the Lord, eager for His return. Maybe Lent is less about the things we could or should do without, and more about clearing space for the Lord to shine through us. With our hearts so full, surely God's Love will spill over and bless others.
These are just my thoughts, but hey, I'm new here. And happy to be so.
As a candidate, Raina will be receiving the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.
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