Jesus went into the desert to fast and pray for forty days. While he was there the devil tempted him. Temptations are part of life. Desire can drive our existence. That’s not always bad. The desire to achieve, to accomplish, to excel can be very healthy. Lacking this kind of motivation can be problematic in life, even leading to depression. But when desire overtakes us, it can develop into a greed that wants more and more. Self-absorbed attitudes can easily get the best of us.
Lenten fasting is meant to tame that desire, to pull in the uncontrolled attempts to fulfill all wants. We have been given another Lent to do some serious work. The goal of Lent is about conversion; changing and reestablishing ourselves anew. Giving something up for the next six weeks can remind a person that even though God created everything good, we don’t have to possess it all to be happy.
