In the Gospel we are reflecting on today, Jesus invites us to practice three spiritual disciplines: almsgiving, prayer and fasting (notice the order – I wonder if it means anything or is meant to tell us something?!)
Almsgiving is the practice of giving. Traditionally it is defined as giving food or money to the poor. It tries to help us develop an awareness of what we have and, knowing what we have, notice what others don't have – the gifts we have vs the lack for others. But awareness is not enough. Our willingness to be generous, to give from our surplus, is what Jesus
really wants us to do - to be moved to give, to be generous. Our generosity should mirror God's generosity.
Prayer is the practice of intimacy with God, the central way God uses to change us. William Blake says: "Our task in life is to bear God's 'beams of love'." We can only do that when we begin to know and think God's thoughts, desire what God desires, love what God loves and will what God wills. God meets us where we are and moves us to a deeper place. In its truest
sense, prayer is not only about talking to God but also about listening to God, coming to know God's mind.
Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. This is different to abstaining for health purposes or dieting - which is for physical and not spiritual purposes. Fasting focuses on God. It reveals what controls us. Often we cover up what is inside us with food and good things. When we fast, what we have covered is slowly revealed. It
reminds us that we are really sustained by "every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) Fasting helps us keep balance and ensure that the non-essentials don't take precedence. It frees us and opens us. We can fast from food, drink, media, social media, and consumer culture.
What spiritual discipline will your practice faithfully this Lent?
How will you hold yourself accountable?
