Fasting From Control + This Week’s Gospel Reflection
Not curating every moment of our lives, followed by NEXT Sunday’s Gospel reflection and discussion questions
Note From Me: Fasting From Control
Someone recently sent me photos from a joyful time we shared together. I opened them expecting to smile
Instead, I froze.
I didn’t like the way I looked. I looked older than I imagined. My arms looked… lumpier?… than I thought they were. Immediately I felt self-conscious. I wished the photos didn’t exist. I didn’t want to look at them again.
And then, very quietly, I felt a nudge.
What if I don’t need to control this?
What if I don’t need to curate which moments get to be remembered? What if the joy of that day, the real laughter, the real love, is more important than whether or not I liked the angle?
“This may not be my favorite photo,” I thought, “but it’s me. And that’s OK.”
I still don’t love the picture. I won’t be framing it. But I love the peace that came from letting go.
Maybe this Lent, instead of giving up something small, I need to fast from control, how I’m seen, how I’m remembered, how everything looks.
Joy happened. I was there. That is enough.
With grace,
The Gospel reflection and discussion questions you’ll find below are open to everyone this week, as a sample of the kind of full content paid subscribers receive every week. I hope that it supports your prayer, wherever you are today!
Sunday Gospel Reflection: Strength for the Cross
Gospel for Sunday, March 1, 2026
Matthew 17:1-9
Peter wants to stay on the mountain.
Who wouldn’t? Jesus is radiant. Heaven feels close. “Lord, it is good that we are here.”
We know that feeling, those bright moments in prayer or in life when everything seems clear and close and full of light. If we could, we’d build tents and stay there.
But the Father doesn’t say, Stay. He says, “This is my beloved Son… listen to him.”
St. Leo the Great explains that the purpose of revealing Jesus’ glory was to prepare the apostles for what was the come:
“The Lord reveals His glory in the presence of chosen witnesses… to strengthen the faith of the Apostles, and to remove the scandal of the Cross from their hearts”
St. Leo the Great, Sermon 51
The mountain is not an escape from suffering. It is preparation for it.
Soon they will walk back down. The light will fade. Ordinary life, and eventually the Cross, awaits.
And when they lift their eyes, they see “no one else but Jesus alone.”
That is the point.
Whether in light or shadow, we are given the same call: Listen to him. And do not be afraid.
Questions for Journaling or Small Group Discussion
1. When have you experienced a “mountaintop” moment in your faith, one where God felt especially close or clear?
2. Do you find yourself wanting to “build tents” and stay in seasons of consolation? What does that look like in your life?
3. The Father says, “Listen to him.” What might Jesus be asking you to listen to right now?
4. How have past experiences of God’s faithfulness strengthened you during more difficult times?
5. What fears or uncertainties do you need to hear Jesus say over: “Rise, and do not be afraid”?
6. When everything else fades away, what does it mean for you personally to see “no one else but Jesus alone”?
I have that too! Sometimes it will take me days to even look at the photo! I relate so much to this. Definitely need to learn to let go
Thank you
Wow, Danielle I can relate to the whole idea of "fasting from control", especially in terms of our appearances in photos! Thank you for your humility and vulnerability in sharing with us. God bless you!