As we begin this first week of Lent, many of us think immediately about fasting from food or drink. But Lent invites us to do something deeper. We might fast from constant noise - turning off the television, silencing the phone, stepping away from social media. We might fast from negativity, gossip, harsh words, or the need to always be right. We might fast from business itself, resisting the pressure to fill every moment. Fasting is not about proving our strength; it is about creating space in our hearts where God can speak.

Another fast is to step back from whatever dulls our spiritual awareness. Perhaps we can fast from complaining and practice gratitude instead. Perhaps we can fast from impatience and choose gentleness. Perhaps we can fast from fear and choose trust. When we let go of what clutters our spirit, we make room for grace.

This Lent, I encourage every member of our parishes to intentionally create space for retreat time with God. Utilize what our parishes are offering and use these options to create your own space for retreat time with God. That may mean coming to daily Mass once a week, spending fifteen quiet minutes with Scripture, making a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, coming to Thursday night Adoration, or attending a parish Lenten prayer opportunity. Even one small faithful commitment can open the door to renewal. Let us not simply “give something up” but let us clear a path so that God can draw closer - and so that we can rediscover the peace and purpose that He can give.

Think of this during the Lenten season: “Less noise. More God.”

Lord in this holy season of Lent, help us let go of what clutters our hearts. Quiet our noise, calm our fears, and create a deeper hunger for you. Teach us to make space each day to listen, to pray, and to trust. Amen.

Have a blessed week ahead.

With you a Christian, for you, a priest.

Fr. Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish