Why Do I Fast? What are the Spiritual benefits of Fasting?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Friday after  Ash Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 9:14-15*

*First Reading : Is 58:1-9a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19*

*Why Do I Fast? What are the Spiritual benefits of Fasting?*

Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline. It is not just about abstaining from food but about drawing closer to God with a heart of humility and dependence.

Here are some key spiritual benefits of fasting:

*1) Deepens Our Relationship with God*

James 4:8 – *Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.*

Fasting creates space in our lives to focus on God, helping us become more sensitive to His presence and guidance.

*2) Strengthens Prayer*

Ezra 8:23 – *So we fasted and implored our God for this, and He listened to our entreaty.*

Fasting intensifies our prayers, showing God our earnestness and dependence on Him.

*3) Cultivates Humility and Repentance*

Psalm 35:13 – *I humbled my soul with fasting.*

Fasting is an act of humbling ourselves before God, recognizing our need for His mercy and transformation.

*4) Increases Spiritual Awareness and Clarity*

Acts 13:2 – *While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.*

Fasting helps us quiet distractions and hear God’s voice more clearly.

*5) Strengthens Self-Control and Overcomes Temptation*

Matthew 4:1-2 – *Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.*

Fasting disciplines the body and strengthens the spirit, helping us to resist sin and grow in holiness.

*6) Increases Compassion and Charity*

Isaiah 58:6-7 – *Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness... Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house?* 

True fasting is not just about personal growth but about opening our hearts to serve others with love.

*7) Prepares Us for Spiritual Breakthroughs*

Mark 9:29 – *This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting*

Some spiritual battles require fasting as an act of deep intercession and faith.

*8) Increases Our Hunger for God*

Matthew 5:6 – *Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.*

Fasting reminds us that our true satisfaction is in God, not in earthly comforts.

Fasting is a powerful way to grow in faith, deepen our prayer life, and align ourselves with God’s will.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*