And Now to Write

A few years ago, I overheard a conversation in a locker room that has stuck with me. A girl was telling her friend that her mom was fasting for Lent and how she thought fasting was pointless and nonsensical. As the Lenten season comes to a close, I want to address this common sentiment using my own observation and personal experience (not by pointing to Bible verses -- but if you want that, click here ). First, even outside of a religious context, people fast. Take, for one example, the environmental movement’s Meatless Monday. Here, it is seen as a good thing to forgo meat one day per week in order to mitigate that industry's environmental impact. This parallels Catholics’ year-round observance of "meatless Friday," by which we recognize our failings and continual need for mercy and conversion. * Here's another example those of you who don't observe Meatless Mondays might relate to. When preparing for a delicious large meal, many people will skip a meal or e