Jesus, source of our joy

 Lent is a time of fasting. For many people fasting evokes deprivation and a serious, almost somber, demeanor. But Jesus himself has warned us against such a behavior. When we fast we shouldn't let others know about it. In other words, we shouldn't make others feel the burden of whatever sacrifices we make. If you want to work yourself to death, for whatever reason, don't make others feel guilty with your long  face!
Besides, Christian fasting should be done with the correct perspective. Self-deprivation is not the end itself. We deprive ourselves of something so as to make room for something with a greater value, nay, Someone of greater value: God.
Fasting should help us to focus our attention on Someone other than ourselves.
I don't think I have ever heard of anybody dying because of the Lenten fasting. But I hope that, little by little, the Lenten fasting will help me die in my desire for a superficial and easy life.