Fasting from Indifference – Your Weekly Reflection from CMMB
A Catholic Meditation on the Gospel
This Sunday is the start of the second week of Lent. We still have five more weeks to continue our journey through the desert toward the oasis that is Easter and the Resurrection. Lent is a time to step away from familiar routines and see life from a new vantage point. It’s a chance to look inside our hearts and outside our comfort zones, a chance to give God the space to reshape us in his image. The more focused we are during the journey, the greater our joy will be when Easter arrives.
When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father, who sees what is hidden, will repay you. – Matthew 5:22
Fasting is an important part of our faith tradition. In our work, we see so many hungry families and malnourished children. They struggle to put together just one small meal a day—every day of the year. It makes our own sacrifices and meatless Fridays seem so small. However, fasting can be much more than depriving ourselves of food.
Can you fast from convenience? Instead of driving, use public transportation, walk, or bike, remembering that women and children living in extreme poverty walk for hours each day just to reach water or healthcare.
Can you give up selfishness? We’re inspired by our international volunteers who leave family and comfort to support our mission hospital partners for months at a time. Sacrifice one day of “me” time to be with a parent, child, friend, or someone else in need.
Can you fast from self-chastisement? The women religious who work with us in the poorest communities encourage us to never give up. Show mercy to yourself as a beloved child of God, fighting the good fight to use love to grow closer to him.
Can you give up your gadgets? First world problems! Spend a day fasting from all electronics, streaming, social media, and video games. Use the time to pray or just “be still” in the presence of God.
Although we often think of Lent as a time to go hungry, true fasting (eating only one full meal) is only required on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. During Lent, fasting helps us remember that “we do not live by bread alone, but by the word of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
Stories of Children Living in Extreme Poverty
Don’t let tragedy and poverty hold Joshua back from a better life. This resilient little boy lost one sibling in a drowning accident, and another suffers from a heart condition. Abandoned by his father, Joshua’s mother is emotionally and financially exhausted. You can be the difference by sending Joshua to school.
CLICK HERE to read Joshua’s story
Extreme poverty and stigma are all Alice has ever known. Born with special needs, she has trouble speaking and walking. You can change Alice’s life with an opportunity to attend a special school to support her growth and development. Put a dream within reach for Alice and her family.
CLICK HERE to read Alice’s story.
Six weeks after Evans was born, he was diagnosed with a condition that prevents him from sitting up or standing on his own. Evans and his mother have traveled to small clinics in their remote community, never finding care or a cure. His family simply cannot afford the highly skilled medical attention he needs. You can support the specialized care, diagnosis, and potential treatment that are critical to Evans’ future.