I am not very successful at fasting these days. Yes, I can abstain from meat, but true fasting? It’s a hard go. However, I wonder if the first Christians also felt this way.
The early Christians had many periods of fasting. This included a fast of bread and water on Wednesdays and Fridays, according to the late Fr. Slavko Barbaric, author of Fast with the Heart. Fridays, because it was the day Christ died, and Wednesdays, because that was a day of reparation for sins and offenses.
Since we are now into Lent, it is good to remember some of these early practices. There are people, though, who truly cannot and should not observe a strict fast for health reasons or age, but for those who want to try a deeper self-denial, it is something to seriously consider. As Fr. Barbaric explains, fasting purifies the soul, opens us up more to God, and protects us from evil.
I first attempted this when I was told about Medjugorje, a village in Bosnia-Herzegovnia, a country in southeastern Europe. It is reported that Blessed Virgin Mary has been appearing daily to six children since 1981. The “children” are now married and have children of their own. Our Lady has been giving messages to them to obtain peace for the world and the conversion of souls. More is at www.medjugorje.org, one of many websites on the subject. Our Lady asks us to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays on bread and water like the early Christians.
Jesus said certain demons could only be removed by “prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:25-29). He fasted for forty days before beginning His public ministry. This is another reason we observe a Lenten fast.
I began fasting on bread and, unfortunately, I had difficulty consuming only water. On fasting days I often feel an inner strength that I do not have with prayer alone. It was as though fasting ignited my prayers. I would often get inspirations on how to handle certain situations. The answer would become clearer with fasting.
I recall an argument I had with someone. I fasted and prayed for that person. By the time I saw him, his anger had clearly dissipated and he was in a serene mood. In addition, I have also had stronger temptations during these times, but I had the grace to overcome. Sometimes, the Lord would bring a sin to mind that needed eradicating or a person I needed to forgive.
Fasting, for me, was very healing. Now though it is time to get back on track and begin with new fervor. With the many problems the church is grappling with, shouldn’t we increase our prayers and sacrifices? Prayerfully consider if you feel called to offer a deeper fast to the Lord. Everyone though, can sacrifice something such as, television, dessert, gossiping, etc.
As Our Lady in Medjugorje reportedly said on July 21, 1982, “Through fasting and prayer, one can stop wars, one can suspend the laws of nature.” I am sure you, the church, and the world will be blessed for your effort.
Copyright © 2013, Mary Mitchell
Mary Mitchell
Mary Mitchell, from Chicago, is a devout Catholic who likes to mix the divine truth with humor. She thinks it's the only way we can get through this life! Mary is the mother of three and has been married to her husband, Philip, more than 20 years. She has attempted to live the vows as a Secular Franciscan for about 20 years, but has a long way to go.
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