Proclaim a fast

“Proclaim a fast, call an assembly; gather the elders, all who dwell in the land, into the house of the LORD, your God, and cry to the LORD!” (JL 1: 14) 

When we hear about “a fast,” we naturally think about Lent. But fasting has an important role in our tradition and is not temporary or limited to Lent. Fasting is about our freedom; it is about strengthening our free will and ability to say “no” to something which is wrong. Fasting supports our fight with our weaknesses: when we sin by watching, we can control what we look at; when we sin by listening to all kind of rumors, we can limit our music, etc. 

“The prince of this world will now be cast out, and when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all to myself, says the Lord.” (Gospel Acclamation)