The Church Of The Holy Rood      --      Wool, Dorset, U.K.

Fasting and Feasting

Lent is a traditional time for giving something up, or fasting, but we are still allowed some treats as well. In fact Sundays in Lent should be kept as feast days to sustain us through the week ahead. 

But this Lent I offer you a special diet that combines both fasting and feasting on a daily basis.  It originated in the USA, but came to me in the form of a litany, from a colleague at Coventry Cathedral: 

Fast from judging others...                       

               Feast on Christ dwelling in them.

Fast from words that pollute the brain...

               Feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from anger...

               Feast on patience.

Fast from worry...

               Feast on God's constant presence and care.

Fast from over-self-concern...

               Feast on compassion for others.

Fast from discouragement...

               Feast on hope in God.

Fast from idle gossip...

               Feast on affirming others.

Fast from the sin that weighs me down...

Feast on the sacrament of reconciliation that brings healing and freedom.

Fast from being overly-busy...

               Feast on quiet times with my Saviour and Friend.

Fast from rebelliousness within...

               Feast on deeper surrender.

Fast from fears that overwhelm...

               Feast on prayer and God's love for me.

Fast from those things that keep me from loving others...

               Feast on generosity and self-giving.

Fast from any feelings of unworthiness...

               Feast on the truth that I am a child of God.

Fast from the lie that says, "You're all alone"...

Feast on the friendship Jesus offers me and listen to him say, "I am with you always".

Fast from unforgiveness, resentment and bitterness ...

               Feast on forgiveness and peace of mind.