TO FAST OR NOT TO FAST?
A QUESTION OF FASTING.
WHY FAST?
"The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?”
"Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9: 14 - 15).
Friday February 20, Friday After Ash Wednesday in the Season of Lent.
The type of fasting that pleases God.
This is the fasting that God wants.
The Holy Scriptures today speak of fasting. The catechesis of Jesus and Isaiah converge in the question: What is the fasting that pleases God?
The Magesterium of the Church has taught from the very beginning that Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving are the three pillars of the Christian faith.
Specifically, the Corporal and the Spiritual Works of Mercy covers everything that is required:
CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY
1. Feed the hungry.
2. Give drink to the thirsty.
3. Clothe the naked.
4. Shelter the homeless.
5. Visit the sick.
6. Visit the imprisoned.
7. Bury the dead.
SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY:
1. Instruct the ignorant.
2. Counsel the doubtful.
3. Admonish sinners.
4. Bear wrongs patiently.
5. Forgive offences willingly.
6. Comfort the afflicted.
7. Pray for the living and the dead.
Do this and you will be blessed.
The Church honors the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in February.
On the hidden life at Nazareth, summarized from his Holy Family sermon: St John Chrysostom wrote:
“He was subject to them; that is, without doubt, to Mary and to Joseph. Be you ashamed, vain ashes that you are. God humbles Himself, and do you exalt yourself? God becomes subject to men, and will you, eager to lord it over men, place yourself above your Maker?”
For Devotional prayer and prayer intentions to the Holy Family, click the link below:
Click the link below for prayer intentions, etc
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