2018 09 07 Reflection 331 (Bro. Reuben Louis OP on Lk 5: 33-39 )

Like us on facebook at   / dominicanministriesgoa   write to us: [email protected] Fasting helps in focusing our thoughts on God. An important activity that we all undertake during lent is Fasting. Fasting literally means giving up food. In our spiritual life it helps in focusing our thoughts on God. It is a personal act that draws one more closer to God and creates an intimate personal relationship with God. Today's Gospel tells us that there is a time for fasting and there is a time for feasting. Fasting helps in moving closer to God and once a person attains that intimate close relationship with Him it'll be the time for feasting. In the scriptures we see examples of many prophets fasting for the conversion of people. After repentance and conversion their new life started with a feast. Jesus himself fasted forty days and forty nights. After His victory over the power of satan at the cross he now feasts at the heavenly banquet. Another important aspect of fasting is that it is not related to food alone. St. Basil says "True fast is the estrangement from evil, temperance of tongue, abstinence from anger, separation from desires, slander, falsehood and perjury. Privation of these is true fasting." Such Fasting is a powerful instrument to strengthen our soul and body. It helps in self-denial and it's an act of sacrifice. It helps us to overcome earthly and fleshly desires so that our spirit may fully desire Christ. It helps to seek God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. It is a means of deepening our faith and commitment to him. It also helps us to understand our neighbour and care for them. Dear brothers and sisters, Let us pray to the lord that he may give us the grace to fast and deny all that is harmful so that we may be able to feast in heaven. Amen.