So St Philip's Fast is upon us! This season of sacrifice and preparation for Christmas is another example of the 'see-saw' nature of the Christian life. One needs to fast before the feast.
Here are some places to go for more information on this season:
a blog post of mine from last year, a different way of fasting
a meditation on the fast from Byzcath.org
a great post from Catholic Mothers Online about fasting and feasting
The following is taken from the blog Monks and Mermaids : St. Paul also reminds us that “the Kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Thus, our preparation during the Fast of St. Philip is more than just abstinence. Make more time for prayer and acts of charity. Visit the sick, do acts of kindness towards your neighbors, help those who are in need of your assistance, make more time for your family. The possibilities are endless.
As St. John Chrysostom said:
Let the hands fast, by being free from avarice.
Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin.
Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful.
Let the ears fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip.
Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.
For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?
Thank you. I'm planning to pass this on and do it myself, imagine. Your blog is a ray of sunshine and brings a fullness of the Catholic Church, both "lungs" to life.
ReplyDeleteI am not so sure the that article on Feasting and Fasting is so good ;-), but thanks for the nod. Now I need to figure out how to fast without fasting from food, which I hate. I always say, nothing reminds a person to be prayful and holy like the pangs of hunger.
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