“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
To be honest, Lent has not always been a season I truly observed. Fasting, in particular, is not something I have had much experience with in the past. But as my faith has grown and deepened, I have found myself arriving at new roads along the journey. One road led me to pray more. Another led me to become more giving. And now I find myself on the road of fasting.
Fasting is not only about giving something up, it is about making room for something else. It invites us to ask: What has been missing? What is God trying to reveal? Sometimes fasting means letting go of distractions so we can receive guidance and direction. Sometimes it means turning away from overindulgence so we can turn more fully toward God. After fasting for forty days in the wilderness, Jesus began his ministry.
Perhaps for us, fasting becomes a way of strengthening our voice and receiving new revelation, revealing purpose for those still searching, and uncovering deeper meaning for those who already sense their calling. Often, in order to move forward, we must first let something go, even if only for a time. Yet on the other side of that surrender is something greater: growth not only for our own lives, but for the lives of those around us.
When we begin to heal within ourselves, we slowly become the change we hope to see in the world. And that transformation has the power to inspire healing, love, and renewal far beyond us.
Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and service that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. The forty days recall the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring temptation, deepening in faith, and preparing for his ministry through fasting and prayer.
Lent is a season of reflection and self-examination, not to shame ourselves, but to remind us of God’s mercy and love, and to invite us to follow that same example of love and mercy toward ourselves and one another.
Observing Lent may include:
Giving something up — not as punishment, but to create space for awareness, gratitude, and prayer
Taking something on — prayer, scripture reading, generosity, or acts of compassion
Service — caring for those in need and offering support to our wider community
In 2026, Lent extends from Wednesday, February 18 through Thursday, April 2. The day before Lent begins is traditionally a time of celebration and gathering, when rich or festive foods are enjoyed before the simplicity of the season.
Sundays are not counted among the forty days because each Sunday is considered a mini-celebration of the Resurrection. For this reason, some people choose to pause their Lenten fast on Sundays, while others continue their practice throughout the entire season. Both approaches are meaningful—the heart of Lent is intention, not perfection.
Lent is not only a time for personal reflection, but also a time for coming together in compassion and care. Even if you do not identify as Christian, you are warmly welcome to join in this season of reflection, generosity, and connection as we seek to love ourselves and one another more deeply.
For this Lenten season, I am offering all Home Practice Online Classes as pay-what-you-wish, with 100% of proceeds donated to The Salvation Army. This is a meaningful way for us to practice together, care for ourselves, and support those in need. You are warmly invited to observe this season of Lent with me.