Self-denial, which is so often mentioned in connection with the practice of Christianity, is conceived by some as an end in itself; they look upon it as the essential point of every Christian’s life. But it is only a way and a means for achieving our end — the putting on of Christ.

Neither must we think, as other do — going to the opposite extreme — that self-denial means renouncing one’s personality, one’s own path, a sort of spiritual suicide. Quite the contrary: self-denial is liberation from the slavery of sin (without self-denial we are prisoners) and the free manifestation of our true essence as originally designed for us by God.

— Fr. Alexander Elchaninov, “The Diary of a Russian Priest”

With the Advent fast starting today, this one seemed particularly pertinent. This is the balance I try to get right with every fast:

• Pursue it rigidly and legalistically for its own sake: you get Phariseeism, spiritual pride and an invitation to prelest (spiritual delusion)
• Disregard it or do a thoroughly weak job: you get gluttony, sloth and faintheartedness

I’d like to say I make progress. Hopefully that’s the case. But in any case, it is as Fr. Elch. says, “liberating” somehow. A fast cuts through the clouds of mendacity and self-indulgence that choke us all. What we do, once we can catch our breath, is up to us.