For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die: but if by the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live. Romans 8:13
“Besides the ordinary effect of fasting in raising the mind, subduing the flesh, confirming goodness, and obtaining a heavenly reward, it is also a great matter to be able to control greediness, and to keep the sensual appetites and the whole body subject to the law of the Spirit; and although we may be able to do but little, the enemy nevertheless stands more in awe of those whom he knows can fast.”
Francis de Sales (1567-1622) in Introduction to the Devout Life (CSD) 86.
One of the benefits of fasting is that it teaches us to curb our wants. Related to money, it helps us control greediness. I hope your fasting this Lent is having this effect.
The Apostle Paul charged the Romans (and us) to mortify or put to death the deeds of the flesh. Francis calls it “subduing the flesh.” We do this because it’s the path to life.
This is one of the many counterintuitive realities of the Christian faith. Only when we subdue the flesh do we position the Spirit to guide and control us. Happy fasting!