Homily: 22nd Week of Ordinary Time - Friday - "Fasting gives wings to our soul"

Jesus said that after His ascension His followers would surely fast. Today, Friday, is the traditional fast day for Christians.

Throughout the centuries, the church fasted for forty days each Lent in imitation of Jesus' forty-day fast in the desert.

Before Vatican II, the Church told us to abstain from meat on Fridays, and many fasted also on Wednesdays.  Many saints, such as St. John Vianney and St. Francis of Assisi were led by the Spirit to emphasize God’s call to fast. 

After Vatican II, the Church's laws regarding Friday abstinence and fasting were changed.  The Church no longer was required to fast from meat.  Some people thought that the Church was de-emphasizing fasting. 

The Church continues to emphasize fasting.  Pope John Paul II has made it very clear that fasting with prayer is extremely important. He stated: "Jesus Himself has shown us by His own example that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil.” 

Just last week, Pope Francis called for tomorrow, September 7 called for a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the middle East, especially Syria.

All of the Christian faithful are still obligated to observe at least an hour fast before reception of the Eucharist.  I know many people who fast entirely on Sunday mornings until they receive the precious Body and Blood of Our Lord.  This Eucharistic fast disposes us to experience more deeply the coming of the Lord and expresses our seriousness and reverence for the Lord's coming into our lives

If we do not choose to fast from meat on Fridays, we need  to exercise some other form of penance, some work of charity or exercise of piety.

Fasting is one of our best opportunities to serve the Lord, change human hearts, build the Church, acquire mastery over our instincts, and reconcile a broken world. Voluntary fasting from food creates in us a greater openness to God's Spirit and deepens our compassion for those who are forced to go without food. The discomfort brought about by fasting unites us to the sufferings of Christ, and brings to mind the sufferings of all those for whom Christ suffered.

St. John Chrysostom wrote, “Fasting is the support of our soul: it gives us wings to ascend on high, and to enjoy the highest contemplation.”  May our daily fasting increase in us a great hunger for serving the Lord, Our God, for His glory, and the salvation of souls.