HOPE IN GOD'S PROMISES
"Then the disciples of John approached Jesus and said, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.’" Matthew 9:14-15
Fasting and feasting are both sacred in the Christian life. Jesus reminds us that there is a time to celebrate and rejoice, and a time to fast and sacrifice in longing for His presence. Fasting is not merely an external practice of denying yourself food, but a posture of the heart...a way to empty ourselves so that we may in turn be filled with God. It humbles you, detaches you from worldly comforts, and reorients your desires toward Him. Feasting, when done with a contrite heart, is also holy. It is a celebration of God’s goodness, a foretaste of the heavenly banquet.
This Lent, fast with intention and feast with gratitude. May your sacrifices anchor you to Christ, and may your joy in Him be made complete.
Let Us Pray:
Lord Jesus, You are the Bridegroom of my soul. Teach me to fast with a heart that longs for You and to feast with a spirit of gratitude. Help me to surrender my attachments, my distractions, and my selfishness so that I may hunger for what truly satisfies...Your presence and Your love. May my fasting purify my heart and my feasting glorify You. Amen.
HOPE for your Health: Laying the Foundation
Today is another 12 hour fasting day (and a day of abstinance, no meat), so you will fast for 12 hours from the time you had your last bite last night until the morning. Unless, you are up for a challenge...
For me, I was done with our dinner around 6:30PM and then had some herbal tea later in the evening. Since I finished eating at 6:30PM, my 12 hour fast would be over at 6:30AM. Drinking the tea does not affect the time I stopped eating. Typically, on Fridays, especially during Lent, I challenge myself and extend my fast for up to 24 hours, meaning that I will not eat again today until 6:30PM. However, I listen to my body and go as long as I can, uniting my sacrifices for intentions on my heart and for all of you. I drink plenty of water, a cup of black coffee in the morning, herbal tea, unsweetened electrolytes (fresh lemon squeezed in water or a pinch of sea salt) and occasionally broth throughout the rest of the fast. (Yes, broth is "allowed" on days of abstinence.)
When it is time to break my fast, I do so gently and eat slowly, giving my body a chance to adjust and welcome food back to my system. This is where it is important to make good, healthy choices in the food you will break your fast with. I always recommend single ingredient foods both for breaking your fast and for your meal after a longer fast. I might have a cup of warm broth with handful of pumpkin seeds or nuts, half an avocado with salt, a big handful of arugula tossed with lemon juice, or a slice of homemade spelt bread (recipe coming soon!) For your meal, you basically want a source of protein (unprocessed and unbreaded fish since it is Friday) and sauteed veggies, making sure there are plenty of greens. See today's recipe below for some inspiration.
HOPE For Your Marriage: Foundations
Marriage, like your spiritual life, has seasons of fasting and feasting. There are times of sacrifice, when you put aside personal desires for the good of your spouse, and times of celebration, when you rejoice in the love you share. A healthy marriage embraces both. Fasting in marriage might mean letting go of grudges, selfishness, or distractions that pull you away from each other. Feasting means cherishing the moments of joy, laughter, and deep connection as gifts from God. When you approach both with contrite hearts, your love is purified and strengthened.
Marriage Enrichment Challenge: "Fast and Feast"
Choose one “fast” and one “feast” in your marriage today. Fast from something that creates distance—complaining, impatience, or excessive screen time. Then, intentionally feast on something that nurtures your bond—shared prayer, a heartfelt compliment, or quality time together. Let this practice draw you closer to each other and to God.
Fish Taco Bowl
1 Tbsp Avocado Oil or oil of choice
4 filets Mahi Mahi, Tilapia, Salmon or fish of choice
3 Limes
1.5 tsp Salt divided
1/2 tsp Cumin
1/2 Tbls Chili Powder
1/4 tsp Cayenne
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced or shredded
2 Tbsp Cilantro, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
In a medium sized bowl, add the sliced cabbage, chopped cilantro, the juice of 2 limes and 1/2 tsp of salt. Toss together and set aside.
Combine the rest of the seasonings in a small bowl (salt, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin and cayenne). Pat the fish dry with a paper towel and the coat with the seasoning mixture on both sides.
Heat the avocado oil over medium heat in a skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the fish and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side and then flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes. (Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of the fish. It should flake easily with a fork when done.)
To assemble the bowls, place the cabbage mixture on the bottom, then place the fish on top. Add your favorite toppings! Avocado, tomato, red bell peppers, cucumber, diced red onion, more cilantro, etc. Feel free to wrap this goodness in a tortilla if you prefer.
"The Lenten fast or other penance purifies our hearts of sin so that we will be prepared to celebrate with joy the Easter feast, when "heaven is wedded to earth,' as Christ, the anointed king and bridegroom, rises in triumph."
~March 2025 Magnificat, page 105
Comments