Pope Francis' Lent: Fast From These, Embrace These!
Is it possible to reimagine Lent, not just as a time of sacrifice, but as a period of profound spiritual growth and renewal? Pope Francis offers a compelling vision of Lenten fasting that transcends the traditional focus on food, inviting us to a deeper introspection and a commitment to positive change.
Every year, as the liturgical calendar turns towards Lent, Catholics around the world find themselves contemplating the age-old question: "What should I do for Lent?" The season, a period of 40 days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, is a time for self-reflection, repentance, and a renewed commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ. While the specifics of Lenten observances vary from person to person, and from community to community, the underlying goal remains consistent: to draw closer to God and to prepare oneself for the celebration of Easter.
This year, Pope Francis provides guidance on how to navigate the Lenten season, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to penance and spiritual formation. He suggests that meaningful fasting extends far beyond the simple act of abstaining from certain foods or indulgences. Instead, he encourages a form of fasting that targets the very core of our being, focusing on behaviors and attitudes that hinder our spiritual progress and our relationships with others. The Pope's reflections offer a fresh perspective on the Lenten journey, inviting individuals to move beyond superficial practices and to embrace a more profound and transformative experience.
| Pope Francis: A Biographical Sketch | |
|---|---|
| Full Name: | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born: | December 17, 1936 (age 87 years), Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Reign: | March 13, 2013 Present |
| Predecessor: | Benedict XVI |
| Education: | Chemical Technician, Master of Arts in Philosophy, and Doctorate |
| Main Interests: | Advocacy for the poor, social justice, interfaith dialogue, environmental protection |
| Key Initiatives: | Laudato si', Fratelli Tutti, ongoing reform of the Roman Curia, emphasis on synodality. |
| Reference: | Vatican Official Website |
The traditional understanding of Lent often centers on the concept of sacrifice. Fasting from certain foods, abstaining from specific pleasures, and increasing one's time in prayer are all hallmarks of this sacred season. However, Pope Francis' teachings suggest that these practices should not be viewed as ends in themselves. Rather, they are seen as means of creating space within oneself, space for reflection, repentance, and a deeper connection with God and neighbor.
In his Lenten message for 2024, the Holy Father focused on the book of Exodus, choosing "Through the desert God leads us to freedom" as the main theme. This theme underscores the idea that Lent is not simply a time of deprivation but an opportunity to embark on a journey from the "bondage" of sin and self-centeredness to spiritual renewal and freedom. The Pope consistently emphasizes that true freedom comes not from material wealth or worldly success, but from a life lived in accordance with the Gospel values of love, compassion, and service.
Pope Francis' message echoes the wisdom found in Psalm 51 (50), which speaks of the importance of a "contrite heart." Penance is about drawing near to the Lord, seeking reconciliation with God, and acknowledging one's dependence on divine grace. Its about recognizing our weaknesses and our need for Gods mercy. This internal conversion should then lead to outward actions: almsgiving, acts of kindness, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.
The concept of "fasting" as presented by Pope Francis extends beyond abstaining from food. He provides a list of behaviors to "fast" from, as well as behaviors to embrace. These suggestions offer a practical guide for navigating the Lenten journey. The Holy Father encourages the faithful to:
- Fast from hurtful 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 trust in God.
- Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
- Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
By embracing these practices, individuals are not only freeing themselves from negative patterns, but also cultivating virtues that foster spiritual growth and enhance their relationships with others. Pope Francis' suggestions for alternative forms of fasting are not a replacement for traditional Lenten observances like abstinence and fasting, but an invitation to deepen the experience. In fact, the Vatican City's official website has no record of Pope Francis replacing these established practices with other initiatives. Instead, the Pope builds upon the traditional practices.
The act of "fasting from hurting words and saying kind words" is a powerful example of this approach. It requires individuals to be mindful of their speech, to refrain from gossip, criticism, and harsh judgments, and to replace these with words of encouragement, empathy, and understanding. This act helps to heal relationships, to build trust, and to create a more positive and supportive environment. Similarly, fasting from sadness and embracing gratitude fosters a sense of joy and appreciation for the blessings in one's life. By focusing on what one has rather than what one lacks, individuals can find strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Lenten journey, as envisioned by Pope Francis, is not a solitary undertaking, but a call to embrace our shared humanity. In his message for Lent 2025, he emphasized the importance of living one's life as a constant journey of conversion, choosing to walk in peace and hope alongside one's fellow humans. This perspective underscores the importance of community, of supporting one another, and of working together to build a more just and compassionate world. This emphasis on community is also reflected in his call to fast from indifference and to fill our hearts with love, joy, hope, and compassion during Lent. By cultivating these virtues, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
The concept of fasting has a long tradition in the Catholic Church, as mentioned in the teachings of Pope Francis. The Code of Canon Law specifies that abstinence from meat or other foods is to be observed on all Fridays of the year, unless a solemnity falls on that day. While Pope Francis doesn't suggest to abolish these practices, he highlights the importance of a fasting that is consistent, humble, and compassionate. He has shared insights on other meaningful ways to fast during Lent that go past giving up earthly indulgences and help develop us in a way that leads to spiritual growth. He encourages individuals to examine how they treat others, and to seek to "release the unjustly bound" during Lent.
Pope Francis reminds us that fasting should not be a mere performance for the sake of appearances, nor a source of oppression. He challenges us to reflect on the motivations behind our actions. Is our fasting intended to impress others, or to create a closer bond with God and our neighbor? He calls on Christians to be the "good Samaritan" of their days, attending to those in need and treating all with the dignity and respect they deserve. This approach also includes practices like prayer and almsgiving, which, according to Pope Francis, "take up the Lenten journey with enthusiasm.
In his homily on March 1st, 2017, Pope Francis stated, Fasting makes sense if it questions our security, and if it also leads to some benefit for others, if it helps us to cultivate the style of the good Samaritan, who bends down to his brother in need and takes care of him. By this measure, a Lenten fast becomes a transformative process: one that challenges us to step outside our comfort zones, to recognize our own weaknesses, and to extend a hand of compassion to those who are suffering.
In this context, Pope Francis' message for Lent 2021, entitled "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem," offers additional guidance. Lent invites Christians to embody the Paschal Mystery more deeply and concretely in their personal, family, and social lives. The Holy Father emphasizes that Lent is a time to examine hearts, renew faith, and extend God's mercy to others. It's also a season to draw nearer to the victory of Christ over sin and death.
It is important to recognize that Pope Francis has not replaced the traditional Lenten fast. Instead, he has provided a deeper understanding of what fasting can be in the modern world. He reminds us of the importance of penance as a means of drawing closer to the Lord. He offers guidance to use this Lenten period to cultivate virtues, to strengthen relationships, and to build a better world. He recognizes that we are going up to Jerusalem striving towards a deeper encounter with Christ and the promise of new life.
As the faithful prepare for Lent, they are reminded to follow the example of Pope Francis. In the words of Pope Francis: 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.
By adopting these principles, individuals can make Lent a time of profound transformation, not just for themselves, but for the entire world. Pope Francis reminds us that God is with us, and that God has not grown weary of us. Lent is a season of conversion, a time of freedom, and an invitation to embrace the message of hope and renewal. It is a time to remind ourselves, as the Holy Father says, that, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." (Exodus 20:2).
