Fasting from food, or abstinence from selected foods is a
powerful means of spiritual advancement. It goes beyond denial of illegitimate self interest, it is a denial of legitimate self interest. As we move away from self, we deepen our participation in Christ.
Certainly we are never to fast to the point of harm; we may however skip a meal, or several meals for our spiritual growth.
Abstaining from our favorite foods according to some schedule will also go far to advance our cause of selflessness for our participation in Christ.
The key to fasting, especially for beginners is to wait out the complaints of the stomach and enter into the fasting state.
We all know about a growling, grinding, complaining stomach; it can last two or three hours, but then the smooth stomach of the fasting state is arrived at, and we may remain in the fasting state for whatever length of time we desire.
The fasting state frees the soul of the local satisfaction of a meal, and allows it to rise above its current state, and a bit deeper into Christ.
“Bless those who curse you, and pray for your
enemies, and fast for those who persecute you.”
— Didache, (teachings of the Apostles)
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Prayer is a real effort of the soul, having real effect. In the beginning we are distant from God, with increased denial of self will, and increased dedication to God in every way, we deepen our inclusion into Christ, who is God. Bit by bit, and by peaks and valleys; if we persevere we will arrive at full inclusion into Christ, even into his divine person.
Virgin Mary speaks of this progression from the exclusion
caused by original sin, to our inclusion into the human nature of Christ, to our ultimate inclusion into the divine person of Christ;
“Little children, prayer works miracles. When you are
tired and sick and you do not know the meaning of your life, take the Rosary and pray; pray until prayer becomes for you a joyful meeting with your Savior.”, (Medjugorje message of April 25, 2001). 90