Daily Inspiration

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But 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 6:17-18

Fasting and self-denial are tools for maintaining order in our souls and are sources of great joy and peace. As we begin a regular fast routine, we open ourselves up to increased graces in our spiritual life. These gifts might even inspire us to consider fasting more frequently, although daily abstinence from food might not be feasible for everyone. However, we can engage in other forms of fasting at any time, offering us the same spiritual benefits.

Offering Our Lord other sacrifices and denials can be very simple. In the morning, give your favorite cup to another and choose the least favorite for yourself. When you serve a meal, provide the finest cut to those you serve and leave yourself the lesser cut. When you come to that dreadful moment and realize there is only one M&M left in the bag, give it away to another (this one is the hardest for me).

What we deny ourselves is less important than our intention for the denial. Giving our favorite things away and making other tiny sacrifices intended for our Lord places God first in the order of our lives. In return, He gives us those lavish gifts of fasting, even on days we can’t formally fast.

Saint Juliana Falconieri, pray for us.

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Jesus, I trust in you!