Bonus: Fasting is not about perfection; it is about transformation.
Beloved travelers on this Lenten pilgrimage,
Fasting is not about perfection; it is about transformation. There will be days when you hold steadfast, feeling the grace of discipline and clarity of spirit. And there will be days when you stumble, when the thing you intended to let go of pulls you back in, when the hunger for what is familiar overtakes the hunger for God.
Do not let these moments of struggle discourage you. Even falling can be part of the journey if it leads you to humility and a deeper understanding of yourself. St. Anthony the Great reminds us:
"Expect temptation until your last breath."
This means the battle is not a sign of failure but a sign of engagement. You are in the arena, actively participating in the work of detachment and renewal. If you stumble, rise again. If your mind becomes distracted, bring it back. If you feel weak, lean into prayer.
What to Do When You Struggle or "Fail"
Begin again, always
Every moment is a new opportunity. Fasting is not about keeping a perfect streak; it is about returning, again and again, to what matters most.Pray through the craving
When the desire for what you are fasting from becomes strong, take a deep breath and turn it into prayer:"God of satiety, be my satisfaction. Teach me to hunger for You above all else."
Journal with honesty
What were you feeling when you gave in? Stress, boredom, loneliness? These are invitations to deeper self-awareness. Write about what happened, but do so with compassion for yourself.Turn your setback into a lesson
If you fell today, let it teach you. Maybe you need more support, a clearer intention, or a moment of stillness before temptation strikes.Find strength in community
Remember, you are not alone. Others are walking this path with you. Share your struggles, and encourage one another.Reframe the purpose
Fasting is not just about avoiding something but about making room for something greater. Continuously ask yourself: "What am I making space for in my soul?"
This pilgrimage is about softening our hearts, not hardening it with guilt. Keep walking, keep seeking, and let Grace carry all of us forward.
Blessings,
Swaady
“Do not be surprised that you fall every day; do not give up, but stand your ground courageously. And assuredly, the angel who guards you will honor your patience.”
