The fallen world is being run by rebelious spirits working alonsgide rebelious people and systems. Human beings gave over their authority to the enemy at the fall. Jesus nails them to the cross and makes a public spectalce of them. This is victory, not defeat. A culmination of his life's work as he cast out demons and healed the sick, here comes the final victory.

After the resurrection, we see the cross differently. Jesus met some disciples and said to them, 'The Messiah had to suffer all these things to enter his glory'. Jesus, before his death, said, 'It was time for the Father to be glorified.' We later see them begin to read OT prophecies about the Messiah and the end of days when God comes as King, referring to Jesus and this moment. This is the moment He is crowned as King of Kings and the usurper is driven away, as Jesus says before his crucifixion.

That when all seemed lost and forgotten,

When all seemed dark and gloomy, when fear and hopelessness filled the lives of the disciples, when their dreams were shuttered all seemed not to work. They were surprised by Hope through the resurrection that changed everything.

Jesus invites us to suffer with and like Him. Suffering well is a part of the way of Jesus. After all, the cross is the path to the resurrection, just like for Him. Yet the only way to suffer well is like Jesus, hold on to the joy set before us; hold on to the promises of God, the promise of resurrection even. So fasting and Lent is a Hope-Filled Sadness.

Lent invites us to fast for both spiritual renewal and physical care. Cutting out excess from rich foods to distractions resets both body and mind. Traditionally, fasting has been seen as a way to cleanse the body and deepen our prayer life, much like Jesus’ 40-day desert fast. When we fast with gratitude, we honor our body as sacred and allow Lent to heal both our soul and flesh.

Lent is about fasting from food and selfish ways. Give up something you enjoy, and use what you save (money, time, etc.) to help those in need. This turns fasting into love, uniting us with the poor and following Jesus call to serve.

Fasting strengthens our spirit, amplifies prayer, and aligns our desires with God’s Kingdom. It is a transformative practice that clears distractions, nurtures holiness and partners with God in spiritual warfare. Start small, dedicate time to prayer, and let fasting bring you closer to Him.