Lenten observance, (ascesis-discipline) confronts our over-identifications:
fasting confronts the nutritional drive – food and sex (temporary abstinence);
alms confront our possessive attitude toward goods and money;
prayer confronts our possessive attitude toward our spiritual nature;
works of mercy confront our possessive attitude [toward our needs]by reaching out to the needs of others.

Fr Thomas Keating
Contemplative Outreach