We’ve got to consider what we can give up for God’s sake. We can’t do much but we can bring to the Lord the small donation of the poor widow.
Abstinence means vigilance of one’s mind and heart, and then, of course, abstinence from certain kinds of food. For instance, total abstinence is recommended during the First Week of the Lent.
Everyone is given according to their strength. God does not demand that we starve and be exhausted by fasting. God demands us to limit our consumption.
May our fast consist not only of abstaining from meat and dairy but also from sinful feelings, the vanity and negligence, which assail us not only through food but also through what we see and hear.
Every person has his own measure because music plays different roles in the lives of various people. As far as church music is concerned, it is even beneficial. Lenten chants are prayerful and lead us to repentance.