St. Thomas Aquinas says that "we have recourse to fasting in order that the mind may arise more freely to the contemplation of heavenly things" (ST, II-II, Q147, A1) . . . That is where our treasure should be laid, where our efforts should be directed, where our hearts should rest. [But] if we intend to benefit more fully from this holy season of Lent, then merely fasting is not enough. It is not enough to turn away from our worldly attachments. We must, in addition, turn toward God. It is not enough to renounce the worldly kingdoms we build for ourselves. We must also "seek first the Kingdom of God" (Mat. 6:33).