Christopher Humphries: The Internet Version

It is about the blessing of suffering. Why is it a blessing?! It is a blessing for a couple of reasons. First, it allows us to have a more real connection with the suffering that Christ took during the passion (as detailed [at least] in the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary). Second, for whatever we’re fasting for it brings the topic to be more direct as it will allow you to focus more deeply.

One thing I decided to commit to is the pledge to fast, at least once a month of water and bread only for 24 hours, for the purpose as detailed at e5men.org.

Fasting is not as “crazy” or “outlandish” as some may think. It is actually part of Catholicism and Christianity that seems to be ignored except for Lent. It is a healthy spiritual practice for stronger prayer and penance, which brings us closer to God and helps pay for your sins now on earth instead of in purgatory.

To quote the “Catechism of the Catholic Church”, 2043:

The fourth precept (”You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church”) ensures the times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.

Here are some interesting quotes from http://www.scripturecatholic.com/fasting.html:

Psalm 35:13 - David says, “I afflicted myself with fasting.” David recognized that fasting drew him closer to God. Fasting makes us aware of our dependency on God.

Esther 4:3,16 - people fasted for days to atone for sin. Although Jesus remits the eternal penalty of our sin, we can atone for temporal penalties due to our sin.

Tobit 12:8 - prayer is good when accompanied by fasting. Throughout salvation history, God has encouraged fasting to be coupled with prayer.

Acts 13:2-3; 14:23 - the apostles engaged in prayer and fasting in connection with ordaining leaders of the Church. Prayer and fasting have always been the practice of the Church.

Luke 2:37 - Anna the widow worshiped God with fasting and prayer night and day. The Church has always taught that, by virtue of our priesthood conferred in baptism, our fasting participates in the priesthood of Christ by atoning for the temporal punishments due to our and other people’s sins.

It is very helpful for me. I will be fasting of just water and tuna (bread is not horrible to me as I’m have a low-carb eating lifestyle), just keeping tuna down is difficult.

If you are like me and are struggling with sin or just want to come closer to God, give fasting a try. If you are married or not, check out e5men.org.

Suffering is a blessing, not meant to cause you harm. It is not pleasant, yet make the most of your time here on Earth. All it takes it one try… just be sure to pray, even more than normal during this time.

For review, here are the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary:

Tuesdays and Fridays. Also Sundays in Lent.

1. The Agony of Our Lord in the Garden. Reading: Luke 22: 39-46.

2. The Scourging of Our Lord at the Pillar. Reading: Mark 15: 6-15.

3. The Crowning of Our Lord with Thorns. Reading: John 19: 1-8.

4. The Carrying of the Cross. Reading: John 19: 16-22.

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord. Reading: John 19: 25-30.

Photo credit ©2006 Br Lawrence Lew, O.P.