“What the sun is for the day, this is what we consider almsgiving to be for fasting: just as the sunbeam makes the day brighter and scatters all the dark clouds, so almsgiving sanctifies the sacredness of fasting and by the light of compassion drives out all death that comes from desire. And in short, what the soul is for the body, this is how generosity is regarded for fasting: for just as the soul by leaving the body kills the body, so too the departure of generosity is the death of fasting.”
Peter Chrysologus in Sermon 8.2.3.
When I live in light of the resurrection, I find myself wanting what Christ wants. When I live according to the flesh, I find myself wanting everything the world offers.
What I love about the discipline fasting beyond Lent and as a part of everyday life is this: it helps us put to death the desires of the flesh and frees us to live generously.
We learn to discern the difference between wants and needs. We become mindful of our own brokenness and become agents of mercy. Through us, Christ’s life shines brightly.