“He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:2)

“Afterwards he was hungry.” This simple line of Scripture reveals the true humanity of Jesus. He was not incapable of feeling pain; rather, He chose not to let pain govern His decisions and actions.

Why are we afraid of hunger? Because hunger reminds us that we are not self-sufficient. We are fragile, and we must receive  external nourishment to survive. This is the starting point of listening to God—acknowledging, “I need God.” When we numb this sensation with food or entertainment, it is like turning off the receiver that picks up God’s signal. Fasting is effectively tuning the frequency. Fasting prompts us, as we experience physical lack, to redirect that craving toward God and say: “Lord, my need for You is as real as my need for food right now.”

Neuroscience tells us that our brains are naturally wired to seek reward. However, modern technology and high-calorie foods have “hijacked” this system. Studies show that social media notifications trigger the same brain chemistry as gambling, creating cycles of anxiety and addiction. We become like laboratory mice governed by conditioned reflexes: when bored, we scroll; when stressed, we reach for sweets.

On this seventh day of the retreat, let us practice what may be called “sacred emptiness.” Do not rush to fill the discomfort. This sense of hunger is the radar of your soul, scanning for wavelengths that resonate with God. As Pope Saint John Paul II taught us, through self-denial we create space for Christ’s love to fill us. If you do not feel hungry, you may find it difficult to taste the sweetness of God’s words.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2015, teaches us: “There is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle.”

Fasting is not merely a traditional discipline; it is an act of reclaiming sovereignty. When we refuse the desires of the flesh, we strengthen the muscles of the soul.

Just as athletes build physical strength through resistance training, Christians sharpen their spiritual hearing by refusing instant gratification.

If we cannot resist even a single cookie, how can we resist the temptation of sin? If we cannot go one hour without checking our phones, how can we focus on God’s presence?

Fasting clears our spiritual space. When the stomach feels empty, it becomes a physical reminder that we are not self-sufficient.

This emptiness is a sacred space, which Pope Francis describes as “an awareness of our dependence on God and our neighbours.” Do not rush to fill the hunger. Let it become a prayer: “Lord, I desire You more than the food of this world.”

Only an empty vessel can be filled.

Let us listen once again, attentively, to the word of the Lord:

“He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:2)

Reflection

Do you subconsciously feel that most of the time you do not need God, and therefore try to avoid entering a state of need? For example, avoiding hunger, boredom, loneliness, or any form of physical or emotional lack. Why might this be so?

Are the muscles of your soul weak? Do you often rely on instant gratification to prevent yourself from entering a state of emptiness or need? In prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to overcome this weakness.

How can you fast today in order to create space to listen to God? For example, fasting from noise, fasting from social media, fasting from expressing your opinions, or fasting from certain foods.

Today’s Prayer

Lord Jesus, You willingly endured hunger to show me the path to the Father. You understand the weakness of my flesh. I confess that I often use worldly comforts to numb my soul. Help me break free from the chains of my many attachments and addictions, big and small.

Today, I choose to fast—not only from food, but from the pursuit of instant gratification. I offer You my small sacrifice. When my body longs for food or comfort, may my soul cry out even more strongly for Your presence.

I choose to use this bodily emptiness to awaken my spiritual hearing. I long for You with all my heart, for I know that You alone can truly satisfy me.

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