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? - Daily Reflections January 20,2014

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.