Pray as You Fast
Fasting has become very popular in some health circles. Individuals choose to fast intermittently, eating for a small window of the day, such as 6-8 hours, and fasting the remaining 16-18 hours. It is believed that there is a health benefit to doing so. For Catholics, this past Ash Wednesday, they fasted too. Fasting in the eyes of the Church is a reduction in the amount of food you eat, two smaller meals that don’t equal one larger meal. Those who wish to take their fasting to another level, might choose to eat one small meal, or perhaps fast on bread and water which is the most traditional fast.
During the season of Lent, in which we now find ourselves, the Friday Fish Fry will again be popular, as Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays. The Lenten season is about penance and sacrifice. Abstaining from meat is a small penance to undertake. Observing a meatless day is something that has taken off in the secular culture recently. I’ve received emails from different restaurant chains encouraging me to participate in #MeatlessMondays. As a Catholic, I can appreciate the sentiment and interest in wanting to do something like that. The meatless Monday movement is a secular act of penance for the sake of the environment.
Why is it that we fast or give something up for Lent? Fasting creates a hunger within us, especially for God and holy things. We realize that when we are lacking something, that God can fill the emptiness. It also is about spiritual discipline—I am choosing not to eat this or do this out of love for God. In one sense, our small suffering helps us realize the suffering of others and also that of our Lord. Most importantly, Jesus teaches us the importance of fasting. When the apostles were sent out to preach and heal, they came back to Jesus and told him there were certain demons they couldn’t cast out. Jesus told them that only by prayer and fasting can some demons be cast out. If you are struggling with a sin or vice, consider fasting, and pray as you fast. If there is something you want to pray for, then fast. Praying for someone who is sick? Pray, “Jesus, I fast today for the healing of Mary.”
When it comes to fasting, we might think that it only pertains to food. We can fast from so much more. Consider fasting from the news, television, gossip, or social media. Such fasting could produce much spiritual fruit for a person. Just remember, as you fast, do so with a spiritual purpose, and pray as you fast.
Fr. Edward Looney pastors the Catholic parishes of Brussels and Lincoln/Rosiere. He is the author of A Lenten Journey with Mother Mary
During the season of Lent, in which we now find ourselves, the Friday Fish Fry will again be popular, as Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays. The Lenten season is about penance and sacrifice. Abstaining from meat is a small penance to undertake. Observing a meatless day is something that has taken off in the secular culture recently. I’ve received emails from different restaurant chains encouraging me to participate in #MeatlessMondays. As a Catholic, I can appreciate the sentiment and interest in wanting to do something like that. The meatless Monday movement is a secular act of penance for the sake of the environment.
Why is it that we fast or give something up for Lent? Fasting creates a hunger within us, especially for God and holy things. We realize that when we are lacking something, that God can fill the emptiness. It also is about spiritual discipline—I am choosing not to eat this or do this out of love for God. In one sense, our small suffering helps us realize the suffering of others and also that of our Lord. Most importantly, Jesus teaches us the importance of fasting. When the apostles were sent out to preach and heal, they came back to Jesus and told him there were certain demons they couldn’t cast out. Jesus told them that only by prayer and fasting can some demons be cast out. If you are struggling with a sin or vice, consider fasting, and pray as you fast. If there is something you want to pray for, then fast. Praying for someone who is sick? Pray, “Jesus, I fast today for the healing of Mary.”
When it comes to fasting, we might think that it only pertains to food. We can fast from so much more. Consider fasting from the news, television, gossip, or social media. Such fasting could produce much spiritual fruit for a person. Just remember, as you fast, do so with a spiritual purpose, and pray as you fast.
Fr. Edward Looney pastors the Catholic parishes of Brussels and Lincoln/Rosiere. He is the author of A Lenten Journey with Mother Mary
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