I am a mother of four, a teacher, an activist, and a Catholic whose heart is breaking over the ongoing crucifixion of Jesus in a world that embraces war, torture, and willful indifference. How strange that tomorrow - the day we begin our fast - is the day that the television series /24/ begins its season premier. We have embraced the demonic values of /24/ while turning on backs on the teachings found in Matthew 25. My decision to fast is a humble gesture of repentance for my complicity in the violence perpetrated in my name by my nation. For my cowardice in not speaking out loudly enough, often enough, or convincingly enough to end the barbarism of torture. I am also fasting in solidarity with the people of Gaza. I have been on two peace teams to the West Bank and this is the place where I have left my heart. I have no words to adequately express my grief - perhaps fasting will afford the grace of a more deeply-rooted hope to carry on with the work. From Guantanamo to Gaza, there is so much crucifixion. We know, however, that lies, violence, and death do not have the final word. And we have that assurance from the One who was Himself a victim of torture. We fast in defiance of the death-dealing forces both in ourselves and in the world. May our fast be a passionate YES! to peace, to justice, to community, to life itself.