FASTING?
Fasting
was quite important among Catholics until several decades ago. As kids,
we did not like the time of Lent very much and other days throughout
the year when adults had to fast and we kids had to abstain from sweets.
Then there was the Eucharistic fast from midnight until the moment of
receiving Holy Communion. I remember one day when I had to serve at the
6.30 a.m. Mass. At home, I had found a candy, took it in my mouth and
then remembered the Mass. I quickly took it out of my mouth. When I
asked the priest later whether I still could receive Holy Communion, he
said no. It was a bit too strict, but now that only the one-hour
Eucharistic fast remains, many Catholics still do
not observe it at all. In many offices, Masses are celebrated during the
noon break and often, the priest has to wait until 12:15, or even
later, because employees eat their lunch first, then come to Mass and
receive Communion.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus doesn’t seem to be very keen when it comes to
fasting. But this is no excuse. He defends His disciples who are with
Him. But He points out that after He’s gone, they would fast. Jesus
knows that “the flesh is weak” and that it needs some exercise to curb
its desires.
Feasting makes us lazy; fasting makes us strong. Feasting fills the
stomach; fasting fills the soul. Feasting weakens our will and
self-control; fasting strengthens our will and helps us to be in control
when temptations come our way. Feasting can lead to self-indulgence;
fasting gives inner strength and spiritual growth. But fasting falls in
the category of sacrifice, a word many of us have erased from our
vocabulary and practice.
Today, the Church honors Sts. Fabian and Sebastian, two martyrs of the
Early Church. Fabian was the first layman to be elected pope. Sebastian
was a Roman soldier. Both saints were ready to lose their lives than
their faith. We probably will not be killed for Christ, but what about
dying a bit for Him and for the sake of our spiritual growth by reducing
feasting and embracing more the sacrifice of fasting? Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD
REFLECTION
QUESTIONS: Are you in control of your appetite or are you its slave?
How can you begin a healthy “fasting” for the sake of the Kingdom and
for your spiritual growth?
Lord,
You pricked my conscience. I realize that my spiritual growth is slowed
down by self-indulgence. Thank You for reminding me of the importance
of fasting and sacrifice.
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