Fast From Fear, Feast on Faith: Start The Lenten Season with This Positivity-Themed Reflection

The Lenten Season, while often considered a season of sacrifice and repentance, is also a time to reflect, serve, and practice optimism and gratitude.

In honor of Lent, Catholic Charities’ Outreach Social Worker Sister Maryadele Robinson, who has worked at Catholic Charities Labouré Center in South Boston for nearly forty years, shared a favorite Lenten reflection attributed to William Arthur Ward, one that helps her focus on “the positive form of fasting” during the Lenten Season.

“Fast from criticism, and feast on praise.

Fast from self-pity, and feast on joy.

Fast from ill-temper, and feast on peace.

Fast from resentment, and feast on contentment.

Fast from jealousy, and feast on love.

Fast from pride, and feast on humility.

Fast from selfishness, and feast on service.

Fast from fear, and feast on faith.

On Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, every parish across the Archdiocese of Boston participated in a special collection in support of Catholic Charities Boston and the thousands of families that receive food and utilities assistance, shelter, childcare, youth programming, refugee and immigrant services, and adult education, providing hope and help to our neighbors in need. To still make a gift in honor of Ash Wednesday or to learn more about how to make a positive impact this Lent, visit ccab.org/ways-to-give.