"The greatest saint in the world is not he who prays most or fasts most; it is not he who gives alms, or is most eminent for temperance, chastity or justice. It is he who is most thankful to God."
-William Law
During Lent, many Catholics fast, either by giving up a favorite food, or eating less during the day, or simply not eating meat on Fridays. Some fast on Ash Wednesday and every Lenten Friday. Sometimes though, this idea of fasting, of self-denial, of self-discipline feels more the silly obligation of an ancient church. The perception is that if you don't fast, you're a bad Catholic, a bad Christian, and you don't love God as much as the next person.
But our relationship with God isn't about fasting. This quote from William Law reminds us that the reason for Lent is to grow closer to God. Many people use fasting or alms-giving or self-discipline in order to do that. But many people do these things during Lent simply because they feel it's an obligation and they don't use these practices as tools to grow closer to the reason for this Lenten season.
So don't conform this Lent and give something up because you feel like you have to or even that you should. Give something up in order to grow closer to Him, and for no other reason.
Have a thankful day
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