Following last Sunday’s sermon, a member of the congregation sent me the follow excerpt from a magazine article from some years ago, which has been written by Catherine Marshall (Christian author, 1914-1983). It’s an interesting linkage between fasting and feasting; fasting from things of kingdom of the world, and feasting on things of the kingdom of God. It reads as follows:
Rather than fasting from food…we suggest that fast instead. from habitual, negative thoughts and actions. Therefore, as we prepare for the Season of Lent, let us meditate upon the poem below and then choose what we will feast upon this Lent.
Fast from pessimism … feast on optimism. Fast from criticism … feast on praise. Fast from self pity … feast on joy. Fast from bitterness … feast on forgiveness. Fast from idle gossip … feast on purposeful silence. Fast from jealousy … feast on love. Fast from discouragement … feast on hope. Fast from complaining … feast on appreciation. Fast from selfishness … feast on service. Fast from fear … feast on faith. Fast from anger … feast on patience. Fast from self-concern … feast on compassion for others. Fast from discontent … feast on gratitude.