The practices of Lent may appear to be penance, but that is only from the perspective of beginning a practice.  The athlete who prepares for a marathon also struggles to endure the first days of training.   And if she does endure, she will be aglow with a sense of strength and ability on the day of the big race.  Lent is much the same way.

Lenten fasting is not a game.  In its essence, fasting aims at stripping away the psychic, physical and spiritual claims that various habits (vices) have on my life.  Whatever holds me down, weighs me down or compromises my capacity to be a loving person is worth stripping away.  In short, am I convinced that I can be liberated from vices?  I might have my doubts as Lent begins, but when I “turn away from sin and believe in the gospel,” as I hear said to me on Ash Wednesday, something happens.  It is more than me working out this liberation; it is truly the Spirit of Christ working in me. 

So, let me enter into the season of Lent with a resolve to address real needs and real vices.  From what do I need to fast?

Perhaps I need to fast from big vices/sins, such as addiction to pornography, or purging, or stealing, or cheating.  It might seem impossible that I could be liberated from these vices because they have such an incredible grip on my body.  My heart wants me to stop doing these things but I find myself too weak when temptation comes.  Well, Lenten fasting requires a conscious effort and strategic plan to counter these temptations.  In other words, it takes more than good intentions to succeed in this battle. 

Where do I start?  First, review when I am most easily tempted?  When am I most vulnerable?  That starting point is key in my spiritual efforts. Let me analyze how I “get there” at the point of temptation.  Then, how can I alter that.  If the internet on my computer in my private room at night is the instance from which I fall to sin (i.e., pornography), then I have to terminate the use (presence?) of my computer at that time.  I can be on a computer in a public space—and the embarrassment of the public scrutiny at least keeps me from indulging in my vice—but not in my room.  I need to “fast” from my previous ritual habit and create a new habit (virtue).  Practice this all Lent.  Pray about it too. 

If it is bulimia, how do I analyze my eating pattern and amounts?  How can I change that?  Do I need some coaching (i.e., counseling)?  Take advantage of these things.

Perhaps I need to “tweak” my overall behavior, such as overeating and not exercising, or drinking too much.  Again, look at the beginning of my behavior/temptations.  Do I eat a decent breakfast?  How can I cut out bad snacks?  How and when can I commence some exercise on a regular basis—start with twice a week; write down exactly when that exercise time takes place; vagueness leads to failure.  If drinking: when do I drink too much?  What conditions (e.g., party, alone)?  Alter the usual starting point for my drinking.  And this Lent, refrain totally…it actually won’t kill me.

St. Paul writes, “'At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, NOW is the acceptable time; see, how is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:2).  Plan now and be ready to enter Lent with hope.