“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12
“Fasting is practiced for a threefold purpose. Firstly, in order to bridle the lusts of the flesh… Secondly, we have recourse to fasting in order that the mind may arise more freely to the contemplation of heavenly things… Thirdly, in order to satisfy for sins: wherefore it is written (Joel 2:12): “Be converted to Me with all your heart, in fasting and in weeping and in mourning.” Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, kindles the true light of chastity.”
Augustine of Hippo in On Fasting 147.1.3.
As we enter Lent, let us fast with this threefold purpose in view: to bridle the desires of our flesh, to shift our focus to heavenly things, and to return to God with our whole heart. Let’s explore each idea for a moment.
The desires of our flesh can easily overtake us if not held in check. Thus, fasting helps us grow in self-control and helps position us to stay in step with the Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:16).
The first is connected to the second, as bridling our earthly desires frees up our focus to consider heavenly things. So, when you fast, don’t just forego some food or behavior, use the time and energy to focus on the things of God.
And the third purpose is linked to the first two. Fasting helps us return to God with every part of our heart. It shows us areas where we have drifted from Him and so we approach with humility, weeping, and mourning.
Father in heaven, make this season of fasting be a time of cleansing, for quenching our desires by your Spirit, and kindling the true light of chastity in each of our hearts. Hear our prayer in your mercy, we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.