When “fasting” is mentioned, Catholics often think of the
obligation to fast at least one hour prior to receiving Holy Communion. They also often think of the fasting obligation
during the Lenten season. *
However, fasting may be offered to God at ANY time. Fasting is a powerful spiritual work. So powerful, in fact, that Jesus mentions that,
only by prayer and fasting, can certain things be accomplished (Mark 9:29) (http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/9 ).
We are all encouraged to fast and pray for God’s plans to be
accomplished.
Our dear Mother, the Virgin Mary, has often beseeched us to
fast and pray. Since 1981, in Medjugorje
for example, her message has been to, “Pray, pray, pray!” as well as to fast on
bread and water on Wednesdays and Fridays, read the Bible, go to Confession monthly,
and receive the Eucharist at Mass at least once weekly and more often if possible (http://www.medjugorje.org/ol5step.htm).
Nutritionists will say that fasting may improve health, focus,
emotional stability, and longevity. However, fasting can be much more powerful than that. If we offer this work to Christ, fasting increases our spiritual strength and weakens our attachments to the things of this earth.
What types of fasts are there?
Typically Catholics might think of fasting from meals and
fasting on bread and water.* But the types of fasting are numerous, and as
stated, can be done at any time. Some
people have fasted on water alone. Some fast on
bread and water for thirty or forty days at a time.
But for the majority of us, fasts of other kinds may be
offered as well. One or more of these,
for a day or week or longer, offered in union with the sufferings of Jesus,
could be very powerful prayers:
Fast from a favorite food.
Fast from complaining.
Fast from television or computer gaming.
Fast from watching a sports game.
Fast from going to a casino or placing bets.
Fast from shopping on Sundays.
Fast from tobacco use.
Fast from caffeinated beverages.
Fast from having to have the last word.
Fast from misuse of time and arriving on time to Mass and other obligations.
*For more information on obligatory fasting and abstinence,
please see the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) information
at http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/catholic-information-on-lenten-fast-and-abstinence.cfm
and http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/order-of-mass/liturgy-of-the-eucharist/guidelines-for-the-reception-of-communion.cfm. Web link information retrieved 11/24/2015.
EUCHARISTIC MIRACLE
Our next Eucharistic miracle occurred in Breda-Niervaart,
Netherlands in the year 1300. The
Eucharist was found in perfect condition by a farmer out in his field. See http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/english_pdf/Breda.pdf
.
For our readers living in the United States or its citizens and
friends currently out-of-country, HAPPY THANKSGIVING. GOD BLESS YOU.
