Pray, Fast, Give – Love of God, Self and Others

Father Solanus Guild Reflection by Br. Johan Paul Gill, OFM Cap. – March 4, 2025

As the Lenten season approaches, the Church invites the faithful to engage deeply in the practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These three pillars are not mere rituals or obligations; they are essential components of spiritual growth and renewal in the Christian faith. Each practice serves as a pathway to a more profound relationship with God, with our own self, with others, and a deeper commitment to living out the Gospel in everyday life. Blessed Solanus Casey is an embodiment of these three Lenten Practices.

Oración is the cornerstone of the Christian life, serving as a vital means of communication with God. Through prayer, believers open their hearts to God, seeking His presence and wisdom in their lives. Pope John Paul II emphasized that prayer is integral to conversion and spiritual development, stating that it is through prayer that one matures spiritually and draws closer to God. One cannot really love one’s own self or others if one does not love God first. The only sure way to grow in Love of God is a consistent life of prayer. Blessed Solanus Casey was very serious about his prayer life. He prayed his Liturgy of the Hours, the Holy Rosary, participated devoutly in daily Mass and spent many hours in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord. That is the very reason, he was and is able to love you and me even after his bodily death. This Lenten season, we are encouraged to deepen our prayer life, allowing it to transform our hearts and align our will with that of the Father and to be able to love ourselves and others in the true sense of the word love.

Fasting is a powerful spiritual practice that encourages self-denial and detachment from worldly distractions. By embracing fasting, Christians cultivate discipline and learn to prioritize their relationship with God over material concerns. This practice serves as a reminder of the spiritual hunger that exists within each person, prompting a deeper reliance on God for sustenance and strength. Fasting, penances and abstinence from our favorite things and food is a sure way to grow in self-love. The person who cares for one’s soul more than one’s body is the person who truly loves oneself. As the scripture warns us: “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life (soul)?” Mk 8:36 Blessed Solanus Casey fasted often. He also did a lot of penances. One example of the penances he did was to mix up all the different food items in his plate so that he would not enjoy much of the taste of each dish. Truly, he loved his soul more than his body. Let us try some fasting, penance and abstinence this lent to grow in true self-love.

Almsgiving is an expression of love and compassion towards others, particularly those in need. It is a concrete way to live out the commandment to love one’s neighbor, reflecting the mercy of God in tangible actions. Pope Benedict XVI highlighted that almsgiving not only assists those in need but also liberates the giver from attachment to material possessions. We are called to see almsgiving as a lifestyle choice, one that fosters community and addresses the needs of the less fortunate. By sharing our resources, Christians embody the love of Christ and contribute to the building of a more just and compassionate society. Blessed Solanus Casey practiced almsgiving more than just giving some material or financial help, he gave his time, energy, prayer support, listening ear, his compassionate look and touch to all those who sought him. “Giving” is one sure way to grow in love of the other. Let us remind ourselves of the word of God where Jesus himself tells us: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers (sisters) of mine, you did for me.” Mt 25:40

In summary, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are interconnected pathways to spiritual renewal. They invite the faithful to deepen their loving relationship with God, with themselves, with others and cultivate discipline. As Lent unfolds, we are encouraged to embrace these practices wholeheartedly not only during the Lenten season but in our daily life as spiritual children of Blessed Solanus Casey, allowing us to transform our lives and lead us closer to the heart of God. By doing so, we become true disciples who serve not themselves but our Lord, living out the Gospel in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ.

May Blessed Solanus Casey guide each believer on this journey of conversion and renewal during this sacred season and intercede for each one of us. Amen.