Finding our strength.
A
certain overweight man decided it was time to shed a few extra pounds. He took his new diet seriously, even changing his route to work to avoid his favorite bakery. One morning, however, he showed up at the office with a gigantic coffee cake.
Responding to the disapproval of his colleagues, he said: "This is a very special cake. This morning, I accidentally drove past the bakery, and the window was full of delicious treats, but there was nowhere to park. I thought that was a good thing because it would help me stick to my resolutions. But then I prayed: 'Lord, if You want me to have one of these treats, let there be an available parking space.'
And indeed, on my tenth lap around the block, I found a spot!"
Holy Scripture presents fasting and prayer as ways to deal with temptation. Fasting builds character, strength, and the ability to set boundaries and respect them. These small acts of self-denial serve as a "spiritual gym," strengthening our willpower so that when a major temptation strikes, our spirit is already conditioned to say "no." These sacrifices are not about deprivation for its own sake, but about making room for a deeper love that can withstand any trial.
"Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, and scatters the clouds of concupiscence." - St. Augustine
