In an interview with Today on Ash Wednesday, the popular actor, producer, and dad-of-four Mark Wahlberg talked about his faith, fasting, and his approach to leading his kids to God.
One thing that is notable is that Wahlberg had already been to Mass to receive his Ash Wednesday ashes -- pretty impressive considering the Today show has such an early start!
But what is particularly striking about the interview is the actor's passionate and appreciative approach to his faith. In fact, when asked how important his faith is to him, the Fr. Stu actor has a visible reaction as he declares, "Oh, it's everything." And we can really see that it is.
Clearly his faith is very personal to him. He says he doesn't want to impose his faith on others, but he's also not willing to deny it. And that's what makes him particularly refreshing in the world of Hollywood, where openly being a practicing Catholic might jeopardize your career.
But perhaps it's the way in which Wahlberg embraces people from all walks of life and religion, and tries to live out his faith in the best way he can, that makes him so appealing.
And of course, the fact that he has such excitement for God is also pretty endearing -- hearing him share that he "woke up today with the same enthusiasm as Christmas" as he began a day of strict fasting is not something every Christian might be feeling.
However, as he reminds us, our faith is about "challenging people to be better versions of themselves," and that's when Lent can really give us a re-boot every year.
Towards the end of the interview, Wahlberg also talks about his approach to encouraging his kids to follow him in his faith. As he points out, he wants them to "gravitate towards it in a natural way." His method of leading his four teens by example is one he hopes will not build resentment, but a desire to practice their religion, too.
It's worth watching the whole of the interview, not only for learning more about Wahlberg's approach to fasting, but to see the infectious joy the Hollywood star has for God.
For those wanting to get further inspiration from Wahlberg, he will be guiding listeners on the Hallow app every Friday through Lent on fasting.
