The Power of Fasting
Well, it’s Lent, the liturgical season that leads up to Easter.
On Ash Wednesday (just passed) Pope Francis announced that Ash Wednesday (March 2) would be a special Day of Prayer and Fasting for Ukraine. “I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war,” he said.
So what the heck is fasting all about? Is it just for Catholics?
Nope. Virtually every single religion has practised fasting since the beginning of time. If you’ve never heard of the spiritual discipline of fasting before, allow me to give you a quick definition: Fasting is a process of abstaining from something for the purpose of worship, prayer, and self-discipline.
And you should know: Fasting doesn’t merely mean: abstaining from food. After all, you can fast from almost anything. For example, I’ve often fasted from sweets, desserts and candy. Some people might fast from movies, t.v. shows, or even coffee or smoking.
Why would a person choose to sacrifice?
Think about when you were in love. You would do anything for that person. So when you are in love with God it is a way to show Him how much.
Some people hope to get thinner by fasting. (I’ve often hoped for that as a bonus!) But my friend, Barb, sent me some information about fasting (which inspired this blog) that really hit my heart. If you are giving up food for that reason then that is not solely for the One you love. That is just ….a diet. Scott Hahn says,”It’s a matter of the heart….not the waist!”…ha ha.
The Didache says : “Bless those who curse you. Pray for your enemies. Fast for those who persecute you.”
Self discipline and self denial helps us win the war within…..AND…it can actually stop actual wars!
Fasting WITH prayer is very powerful! Is it fair to say that many people today do not really try to control their ‘appetites’ be it food, entertainments, or even sexuality?
When we try to bring a self control into our lives , a discipline for a time, it can be an antidote to many of the negative elements of our society.
As Scott Hahn says, “ No pain, no gain…..no cross, no crown.” And the cross endows us with grace.
God doesn't need our fasting.
But God desires our fasting because God knows that the spiritual result of fasting is intimacy with Him and an increased desire for the matters most important to Him.
So here we go : our 40 days journey has begun. Fast! ha ha.
Let’s step back from life and perhaps even stop a war!
Peace, friends.
