Scripture and Science speaks about the benefits of fasting... condensed from Catholic Digest-Victor Parachin.
1.FASTING EXPANDS COMPASSION - our sensitivity to what others are suffering is increased, we become reflective of others hunger, its easy to talk of world hunger, but the physical impact and emotional awareness of the problem is heightened. During Good Fridays we do voluntary fasts and not used to it makes us feel cranky and irritable or tired and resentful, whats it life for those who have no thing to eat for that day?
2.FASTING IS WAY OF PREPARING TO MEET A MAJOR CHALLENGE - Its Biblical! Biblical Personalities who faced great trials and challenges often prayed and fasted to enhance spiritual guidance and decisions, so hwy not us?? in the Story of Queen Esther she fasted for 3 days, JESUS prayed and fasted for 40 days! in preparation of things to come. Who better to be our role model. Paul and Barnabas in Scripture fasted before making important decisions concerning Church ministry (Acts 13:2-3 14:23)
3.FASTING CAN ENLIGHTEN OTHERS - this can be used as a teaching tool one good example is Mahatma Gandhi, he fasted in prison as protest and a non violent one at that, he fasted to persuade government to remove discriminatory laws
4.FASTING CAN PROMOTE PHYSICAL WELL BEING - people live longer and healthier when food is reduced.
5.FASTING CAN BENEFIT OTHERS. - Money saved by not eating can be used and shared with others who need it.
6.FASTING CREATES MORE TIME FOR OTHER SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES - sometimes we skip meals due to "busyness" ... so maybe instead of this other forms of busyness we might use this time to do spiritual reading or praying.
7.FASTING IS ALWAYS GOOD FOR THE SOUL. - According to St. Thomas Aquinas irrational feeding darkens the soul and makes it unfit for spiritual experiences, because many Godly people who practice fasting lead a spiritual renewal, increased insight, deeper commitment to God, clarity of purpose, and a greater intimacy with God
8.FASTING IS A REMINDER THAT WE DO NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE - fasting provides the soul with stamina and vitality, People experiences a hunger that annot be filled but any human food nor material things. Fulfillment and contentment result from a healthy relationship with God.
9.FASTING IS A CONCIOUS PROTEST AGAINST MATERIALISM - advertisments tell us that we can be healthy, happy, content, popular, wise, beautiful through using products they promote, by fasting we are asserting that we need not be totally dependent on external things. If our most basic ned for food and drink can be suspended for 24 hours , how much more our needs for all the nonessentials.
10.FASTING CAN CONTRIBUTE TO OUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL VITALITY - Ironically we think better, and more quickly when our stomah is not full, most times an overloaded stomach can interfere with prayer by making us feel sluggish and tired adn sleepy.
11.FASTING HELP US APPRECIATE LITTLE THINGS - experiment, that those who have gone without food for days would take and appreciate food more, in our modern days of instant things and easy to cook things our appetite is blunted. Fasting makes it more pleasurable and re-appreciated.
12.FASTING STRENGTHENS VIRTUES AND WEAKENS VICES. - All great virtues bear the imprint of self denial, People who pray and fast regularly often experience greater ompassion, kindness, sensitivity, love and humility.
13.FASTING RE-INFORCES SELF DISCIPLINE - since birth we have been taught to look for our happpiness to get what we want , and to be free of discomfort.To become self indulgent. We are in danger of becoming less resilient to trials, and troubles.
14. FASTING IS A WAY TO FOLLOW CHRIST AND THE APOSTLES - Jesus Himself spent 40 days and nights in prayer and fasting, as He said, When you fast... NOT ... if you fast.. MT 6:16... so why shouldnt we?
The Holy Week is fast approaching let us remind ourselves that fasting and abstinence is not just refraining from things that our Physical Senses (eyes, ears, taste, touch) usually gets bombarded with and we particularly indulge with, but also from things that destroys our heart and eventually our soul, anger, hatred, unforgiveness, judging others, snide remarks, discouragement, complaining, resentment, bitterness, spending too much time and resources that wouldnt really help our souls nor others. Let us strive to keep Lent HOLY.
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