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Campus Ministry

Fasting during Lent

By Danny Sales '17

Lent is a spiritual and liturgical time of the year when Christians around the world stand in solidarity with Jesus’ journey towards Jerusalem and his ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. In Lent, we are called to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Fasting is defined as abstaining from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance. But fasting does not simply have to apply to food. The principle of fasting can be applied by giving up an item or practice that is keeping one from becoming closer to God.

  • Fast from social media: such as Facebook/Twitter
  • Fast from walking around campus checking your phone—notice God’s creation
  • Fast from listening to music when walking around campus and say “Hi” to others
  • Fast from wasting time aimlessly browsing the internet

While deepening our relationship with God through this practice, we can use this type of fasting for the good of others in our UD and larger Dayton community. As we are reminded in Isaiah 58:6-9, “This, rather, is the fasting that I wish; ...Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and homeless...and not turning your back on your own. Then you shall call, and Lord will answer... Here I am!”

--by Danny Sales '17

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