Penitential Fasting Is Therapy for the Soul

PENITENTIAL FASTING IS THERAPY FOR THE SOUL

Pope John Paul II

Sunday Angelus 10 March 1996

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

1. The penitential practices suggested by the Church especially during this Lenten season include fasting This means special moderation in the consumption of food except for what is necessary to maintain one's strength. This traditional form of penance has not lost its meaning; indeed, perhaps it ought to be rediscovered, especially in those parts of the world and in those circumstances where not only is there food in plenty but where one even comes across illnesses from overeating.

Penitential fasting is obviously something very different from a therapeutic diet, but in its own way it can be considered therapy for the soul. In fact practiced as a sign of conversion, it helps one in the interior effort of listening to God. Fasting is to reaffirm to oneself what Jesus answered Satan when he tempted him at the end of his 40 days of fasting in the wilderness: "Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Mt 4:4).

2. Today, especially in affluent societies, it is difficult to grasp the meaning of these Gospel words. Consumerism, instead of satisfying needs, constantly creates new ones, often generating excessive activism. Everything seems necessary and urgent and one risks not even finding the time to be alone with oneself for a while.

St Augustine's warning is more timely than ever. "Enter again into yourself." Yes, we must enter again into ourselves if we want to find ourselves. Not only our spiritual life is at stake but indeed our personal, family and social equilibrium itself.

One of the meanings of penitential fasting is to help us recover an interior life. The effort of moderation in food also extends to other things that are not necessary, and this is a great help to the spiritual life. Moderation, recollection and prayer go hand in hand.

This principle can be appropriately applied to the mass media. Their usefulness is indisputable, but they must not become the "masters" of our life. In how many families does television seem to replace personal conversation rather than to facilitate it! A certain "fasting" also in this area can be healthy, both for devoting more time to reflection and prayer, and for fostering human relations.

3. Dear brothers and sisters, let us learn from the Blessed Virgin. The Gospel tells that she pondered in her heart the events of her life (cf. Lk 2:19) seeking in them the unfolding of God's plan. Mary is the model to whom we can all look. Let us ask her to give us the secret of that "spiritual fast" which sets us free from the slavery of things, strengthens our soul and makes it ever ready to meet the Lord.

Taken from:
L'Osservatore Romano
Weekly Edition in English
13 March 1996, p. 1.

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