Fasting: A “Universal” Endeavor?

Feb 18

When describing the practice of fasting and other forms of discipline or sacrificing during the season of Lent, St. Francis de Sales reminds us that in order for our efforts to be fruitful, they must be “universal”, that is, our Lenten practices should affect every aspect of our lives, and not merely some aspects of it. His use of the term seems appropriate, if we recall that Francis believed that there is something of “the entire universe” contained in each one of us. In other words, on any given day there is a great deal going on within us.

He wrote the following in his Introduction to the Devout Life:

“One person sets great value on fasting and believes himself to be leading a very devout life, so long as he fasts rigorously, yet all the while his heart is full of bitterness. Another person will not moisten their lips with wine, perhaps not even with water, in their great abstinence, but does not hesitate to steep those same lips in their neighbor’s blood, through slander and detraction. Still another individual reckons themself as devout because they repeat many prayers daily, although at the same time they do not refrain from all manner of angry, irritating, conceited or insulting comments among family and neighbors. Another person freely opens their purse in almsgiving but closes their heart to all gentle and forgiving feelings towards those who are opposed to them. Yet another one is ready enough to forgive their enemies but will never pay their rightful debts to others unless forced to do so. All these people may be conventionally considered ‘religious’, but in truth they are in no sense actually devout at all…”

Whatever fast(s) or discipline(s) we may choose to pursue during this Lenten season, may they help promote ongoing conversion not merely in some of who we are, but throughout the “universe” inside of us: body, soul, spirit, mind, heart, attitude and action!