Colossians 1:15-20, Psalm 100:1-5, Luke 5:33-39
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/090409.shtml
LOVING TO FAST
"When the days come that the Groom is removed from their midst, they will
surely fast in those days." —Luke 5:35
Jesus said that we, His disciples, will surely fast. However, our fasting
as Jesus' followers differs from Old Testament fasting. New Testament
fasting is so powerful that it is compatible only with a New Testament
lifestyle (Lk 5:37). Without the new wineskin of a new lifestyle to
contain the new wine of our new fasting, our fasting will not be
constructive but destructive. Therefore, to fast as the Lord calls us, we
must first be letting the Spirit create in us a new lifestyle.
The Spirit will do this by giving us a relationship with Jesus which takes
precedence over our selfish desires, compulsions, and habits. In the
Spirit, we will be able to say: "Those things I used to consider gain I
have now reappraised as loss in the light of Christ. I have come to rate
all as loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of my Lord Jesus
Christ. For His sake I have forfeited everything; I have accounted all
else rubbish so that Christ may be my Wealth and I may be in Him" (Phil
3:7-9).
At this time in history, the Spirit may be calling the Church to fast in a
special way. Fasting sets people free (Is 58:6) and, with prayer, is the
only way to drive out certain demons (Mt 17:21, NAB). However, to fast in
full New Testament power, we must let the Spirit change our lifestyle by
giving us a love for Jesus which surpasses everything.
Prayer: Father, free me from this prison of a self-centered,
pleasure-seeking lifestyle.
Promise: Jesus "is before all else that is. In Him everything continues in
being." —Col 1:17
Praise: Carmen added fasting to her prayers for her ex-husband.
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "The Secret of Fasting", or on
audio AV 46-1 or video V-46.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
August 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, February 11, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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