“He was altogether equal to himself, a man governed by the Word
and abiding in a natural state.”
—St Athanasius, The Life of St. Antony
Thus, St. Athanasius described St. Antony when he emerged from his dwelling after twenty years of solitude, fasting, and prayer.
This unique group of early Christians freely chose to leave family and often comfortable circumstances to avoid the world’s “most obvious temptations and distractions.” This so they could follow Christ with all their attention and energy. If stepping away from the distractions of the world was the portal to their total transformation in Christ, we should take heed of the way of life that opened that door. Lent is the perfect time to do just that.
The answer to this question is one of the key highlights in Bishop Erik Varden’s book Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses. First, he states clearly that their life choice was a rational decision:
The Desert Fathers tend to be matter-of-fact, practical, even pragmatic in accounts of their life choice. They rarely invoke Damascus Road epiphanies. What they do speak of is a rational decision to follow Christ without compromise. (p. 133)
In the stillness of the desert, freed from the battle of “hearing, speech, and sight,” these men and women found repose or rest from the chaos of the world. This is not unlike the opportunity Lent offers us to reduce digital distractions, for example, such as social media and entertainment. But the repose of the desert revealed another battle to fight. Without distractions, one’s “eyes are opened to all his failings.” (Apophthegmata Patrum: Sayings of the Desert Fathers II.29). The efforts of those early contemplatives to mortify their senses and passions that had gone astray were not attempts to leave the body behind. According to Bishop Varden, rather, they were convinced that every embodied desire is “a glimmer of a longing for God imprinted on our being, created in God’s image.” So they channeled their efforts to restore balance and integrity to passions no longer under the sway of reason–our fallen human nature. Thus, a reconquered harmony within a soul expresses our true human nature. So how did they do it? Prayer, fasting, and pondering Scripture.
As mentioned in the last post, the three pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It is no accident that two of these practices were “pillars” in the life of these early contemplatives. The third, almsgiving, however, is not unrelated to the first two, as we shall see.
Bishop Varden describes how the monks acquired self-discipline and mastery through acts of humility and even simply by remaining in one’s cell! Reflecting again on the sayings of the Desert Fathers, he notes the early monks combated dysfunctional passion (such as irritability) by fasting. He makes it clear that fasting is not merely “disciplined eating” but “a psychobiological, therapeutic practice of liberation from self-centeredness (p. 142).”
We should take careful note of that last phrase, “liberation from self-centeredness.” The corollary relates to the third pillar, almsgiving. How? If we are less focused on our own needs and desires, how much easier it should be to recognize and respond to the needs of others! And certainly no less important: to recognize and pursue God’s will in all things.
With such obvious spiritual benefits demonstrated by these early Christians, should we care about the physiological and psychological benefits of these practices? Let’s take a look at what these benefits are.
A frequently misunderstood perspective on the disciplines of Lent is the view that Christians—especially Catholics—are trying to “earn” salvation. Or that in trying to discipline our bodies, we are adopting an unhealthy attitude toward the “flesh.” Rather, science makes it clear that our Heavenly Father has our best interests at heart by requiring these practices. The lives of the Desert Fathers also attest to this as they strove for and achieved the virtue of chastity.
“The essence of becoming chaste is not a putting-to-death of our nature, but its orientation enacted through integral reconciliation, towards fullness of life.”
—Varden, p.28
After all, Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” He wills the flourishing of all of us. So, let’s look at some of the health benefits of fasting.
In medical practice, fasting has been recommended since the time of Hippocrates. In recent times, there have been multiple studies examining the benefits and mechanisms of fasting. As more is learned, fasting is recommended for specific conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. There are impressive physiological benefits, with some less obvious psychological benefits.
The best-known effect is autophagy, which is the breakdown and recycling of old or diseased cells, a process that helps maintain body homeostasis. One study listed additional and impressive health benefits: the promotion of DNA-based repair mechanisms, stem cell-based regeneration, the breakdown of plaques, and unhealthy proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The list also includes other brain benefits: enhanced cognition, neurogenesis, and the reduction of inflammation. And yes, it can improve the quality of your sleep!
The emotional and psychological effects are less compelling but worth examining. Fasting successfully can lead to a sense of reward, accomplishment, and a renewed sense of control. But not always! There can be an emotional downside to fasting.
It is no secret that when we restrict food intake or “give up” something specific for Lent (like coffee), our level of irritability increases. We can become easily angered or annoyed. We feel distracted and out of focus. It may be so obvious a change that our spouse or family will beg us not to "give that up for Lent again!” The response can depend on how sensitive you are to changing blood glucose levels and other factors, but the negative emotional effects often decrease over time.
Whether or not we respond positively or negatively to fasting, however, is influenced by the strength of our religious beliefs. According to a review article by researchers from the University of Southern California and Johns Hopkins University:
For those who value their religious beliefs, fasting can be a pleasant and tolerant experience. In contrast, fasting may bring negative emotions to those who do not have religious beliefs.
According to the Desert Fathers, to see ourselves truly is the road to knowing God. Or as another Latin phrase reminds us: Ubi amor, ibi oculus, “Where there is love, there is an eye that sees.”(Trans. Erik Varden)
This journey involves patience and courage. Lent truly is a gift as it offers us the opportunity to confront passions and desires that have lost their connection to our wholeness and integrity. Science, the Three Pillars of Lent, and the Desert Fathers have shown us the way back. Motivated by love, we can begin the journey in hope.
Next week, we will take a look at the effects of prayer and almsgiving—and religion in general—on the flourishing of the human person.
The Desert Fathers knew that true transformation begins with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—three pillars that don’t just change us, but the world around us. As you reflect on their wisdom and the profound connection between self-discipline and generosity, consider this: your almsgiving can bring hope and healing to those in need.
By giving today, you are not only breaking free from self-centeredness, as the Desert Fathers taught, but also becoming a living example of Christ’s love.
Will you answer the call? Step forward in faith and let your generosity be a testament to the power of prayer in action. Donate now and be part of a mission that strives to keep the Faith in the hearts of all—one gift at a time.