Fasting and Abstinence

It is Lenten season again and I can't help but remember one of my colleagues here noted us Filipinos for hurting ourselves during this season. I explained to him that actually this practice is discouraged by the church but if this would made these people be at peace then let it be. I often heard that the reason they were doing these was because for their sins to be forgiven. Although others' reason too is for thanksgiving. We as a family practice abstaining from meat every Good Friday. Though before I did this without knowing what it really meant. As I grew up, I continue this practice and even would start on Ash Wednesday. For me my reasons then are as an offering to our Lord and to help me be strong during temptation. I remember reading in the bible that they do burnt offerings for God. So simply by doing fasting and abstinence is my little offering to the Lord. I also learnt from my religion teachers that these practices will also help us to say no during temptation. I think the logical reason for these is because we practice to resist pleasures for forty days and usually when temptation comes we would not give in to sin if we can strongly say no. Anyway one of my friends here in Singapore had criticized me for doing this practice before when I still have issues on my faith. She told me I'm abstaining from meat but often failed to hear Sunday Mass. I welcomed that criticism since I did failed to hear Sunday Mass before. That's why it was a great reminder for me that all aspect of my life should be pleasing in the eyes of God. Although I regret not replying to my friend for her goodness sake. Well for her she dutifully hear mass to be forgiven from her sins especially during those times she was living with her boyfriend on same flat. I know the Holy Eucharist also removes venial sins but I think then that if she is truly sorry for her sins she must go to Confession and acknowledging she committed those, she should have stopped and mend her ways. Well today I have the courage to tell my viewpoint and I'm glad I have that confidence now. I guess it is the grace that God has been giving now that I fully turned to Him. Aside from being strong during temptation and as an offering, I fast and abstain now because I want to unite to the sufferings of our Lord. These little sacrifices though not as grand to what Jesus did on the cross is my simple way of feeling the pain He bear just to redeem us. Without experiencing the pain for me would not truly know the value of what was given to us. That's why looking at the cross now and seeing all the wounds of Christ let me appreciate what He gave us-- His unconditional love.