SO THAT?

The Lenten season is now at the two week mark. For many Catholics, it's a time for prayer, fasting and alms giving.

A recent homily by a local priest last Sunday has bothered me all week and writing about it may help my mental state.

In talking about Lenten fasting, the rather rotund cleric said that whenever we think about giving something up, we should add the phrase, "so that."

"For example," he explained, "I have given up candy for Lent so that...."

Before he could continue, the congregation broke out in snickers and some laughter forcing the priest to interject playfully,

"I certainly realize that my not eating sweets may soon put a few candy stores out of business."

Great save Father.

He then completed his thought.

"I'm giving up candy so that I can lose some weight which will make me healthier and better able to serve as a priest."

An alarm bell went off in my head. Something seemed off to me. Was he implying that losing weight is an appropriate Lenten goal? Was he doing a weigh in before and after Lent to quantify the value of his sacrifice? And does losing 20 lbs. make for a more successful Lent than losing only 10 lbs?

Oops! I'm starting to rant..

But, in all sincerity, I can't get on board with the idea of self sacrifice so that one can improve his or her physical state. Isn't real sacrifice about not counting the costs or the calories?

In my mind, fasting has to do with not putting yourself first; not giving in to the tyranny of one's body.

No need for a so that at all.

The fasting is its own reward.

Now if I could only practice what I preach....