Have you ever sat in a totally dark room? No lights. No screens. Just quiet. It might feel strange at first, but it can also be a great way to slow down and think. During Lent, some people try fasting from light. That means turning off the lights and sitting in the dark for a little while. It’s a way to pray and be with God without distractions.

We’re used to being surrounded by light all the time. Phones glow. TVs flash. Lamps shine. But all that brightness can make it hard to focus. When we turn it all off, we can finally breathe a little. We can pay attention to what’s in our hearts. We can listen to what God might be saying.

Jesus called Himself the Light of the World. When we sit in the dark, we remember how much we need Him. It’s easy to forget that when everything around us is loud and bright. The dark reminds us that His light is something special. Something we really need.

This doesn’t have to be a long or complicated thing. Start small. Find a quiet room. Turn off the lights. Maybe light a candle if you want. Then just sit and be still. You don’t have to say anything. Just rest and know that Jesus is with you.

You might feel a little uncomfortable. That’s normal. Silence and darkness can feel weird. But that feeling also shows how much we rely on noise and light. Let the stillness be your prayer. Let it teach you how to trust God more, even when things feel uncertain.

Fasting from light helps us focus on what matters. It clears away distractions. It makes space for God. And when we turn the lights back on, maybe we’ll see the world a little differently. Maybe we’ll notice God more in the small things. In kindness. In beauty. In truth.

You don’t have to be perfect at it. Just try. Even five minutes can help. Let the dark remind you that Jesus is always shining, even when things feel dim. His light never goes out. And He is always near.

Prayer

Jesus, You are the Light of the World. Help me find You in the quiet and in the dark. Teach me to listen and trust. Take away my distractions and help me focus on You. Thank You for always being with me, even when I can’t see clearly. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do you usually feel when you’re alone in the dark?
• What distractions keep you from spending quiet time with God?
• How could a light fast help you focus more on Jesus?
• What does it mean to you that Jesus is the Light of the World?

See https://young-catholics.com/980/lenten-activities-fast-from-light/ for more information.