ASCENDING FAST - One Bread, One Body, 2/19/2010

For Lent read our brochure entitled, "The Secret of Fasting"

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretFasting.asp
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Friday, February 19, 2010

Isaiah 58:1-9, Psalm 51:3-6, 18-19, Matthew 9:14-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/021910.shtml

ASCENDING FAST

"Would that today you might fast so as to make your voice heard on
high!" —Isaiah 58:4

On this third day of Lent, we again have the privilege of fasting in
imitation of Jesus. Jesus stated that His disciples would fast after His
physical body was taken away, that is, after His ascension (Mt 9:15).
Thus, fasting in the New Testament is associated with Jesus' ascension.
When we fast, we have an "immeasurable scope of power," which is "like the
strength" God the Father "showed in raising Christ from the dead and
seating Him at His right hand in heaven" (Eph 1:19-20).

The power of fasting is like the power of Jesus' ascension. When we fast,
we have the power of "releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs
of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke" (Is 58:6).
This is only the beginning. Fasting will lead to provision for the poor,
light breaking forth, quick healing, vindication, glory, prayer-power,
guidance, abundance, strength, the rebuilding of ancient ruins, the
restoration of ruined homesteads, delight, and nourishment (Is 58:7-14).

Fasting is powerful and catalytic, as was Jesus' ascension. Therefore, it
is a privilege to fast. Because of our God-given opportunity to fast, we
don't have to be so frustrated by our human limitations. For example, by
fasting, we can impact Russia and China. By fasting, we can accelerate
situations which seem to be "taking forever." By fasting, we can penetrate
the hardest hearts. Because of the ascension power of fasting, our lives
are not so much frustrated, but fulfilled.

Prayer: Father, I thank You not only for my food, but especially for my
fasting.

Promise: "Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound
shall quickly be healed." —Is 58:8

Praise: Fasting brought George healing by revealing to him where his
priorities ought to be. He changed his lifestyle and found greater joy in
Jesus.

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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
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 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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