Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. (Mt 9:14-15)

Easter, unlike Thanksgiving or Independence Day, is not celebrated on a single day. Instead, the Easter season begins with Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, reflection, and penitence leading up to Easter Sunday. Lent fell on Valentine’s Day this year, the first time that’s happened since 1945. Easter will be on April Fool’s Day.

As an adult, I have participated in corporate fasts at the beginning of the year (where everyone in our church is encouraged, but not required, to participate) and also on my own during Lent. The focus on fasting is most often on food. Some years, I’ve given up the food I love most – chocolate – because I know it’s harder for me to resist than anything else. One year, I gave up caffeine. That meant no tea or chocolate, and oh, how I struggled. This year, I’ve chosen to give up negative words. Even for a positive person like me, it can be a lot harder than you might think.

The purpose of fasting is not to deny ourselves for the sake of denial. Instead, the purpose is to take our eyes from the things of this world – food, TV, Facebook, negativity – and focus on Jesus instead. Through the act of fasting, we are telling Jesus that he is more important to us than any of the things we find pleasure in here on Earth.

Fasting and prayer often go hand in hand as Christians fast and pray before making big decisions. Jesus used this method, too, when he fasted in the wilderness for 40 days before starting his ministry. This is the reason Lent lasts for 40 days: it represents this 40-day period that Jesus spent fasting – and the only time he is shown fasting in the Bible.

As we approach Holy Week, we are reminded that the culmination of this season is Easter Sunday, when we observe Jesus’ resurrection. As we celebrate this year, remember to focus on him and thank him for the example he set and the sacrifice he made for us.

Dear Jesus, thank you that we have an entire season to celebrate your death and resurrection. Help me to focus on you throughout this season and each day moving forward. Amen.