What’s the Best Way to Fast for Lent After Mardi Gras?

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Louisiana is big when it comes to celebrating Carnival/Mardi Gras and a lot of us mark the Lenten season as well. Do you know the correct way to fast for Lent?

What's the best way to fast for Lent?

Ash Wednesday is coming up on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, and is considered the start of the Lenten season, which many observe by giving something up or fasting. Why do people choose to fast or go without? Many fast or give up certain luxuries to replicate the sacrifices of Jesus and His journey into the desert for 40 days.

That's why when I saw this, I knew I had to share it. The content claims to be from Pope Francis. Even if it's not, take a second. Soak it in. Live with it. Then read it again. I promise it'll make you want to be a better person than you were yesterday.

From BlessedSacramentOnline: 

• Fast from hurting words and say kind words

• Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

• Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

• Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

• Fast from worries and have trust in God.

• Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

• Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

• Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.

• Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.

• Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

• Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

I found an article from Time Magazine while I was writing this and it said that Pope Francis says, 'Instead of giving up candy or alcohol, one should fast from indifference towards others.'

That's beautiful, isn't it? So, if you practice fasting for Lent, you might want to go a little deeper than giving up Diet Coke. Just a suggestion from a guy who knows what he's talking about!