[Salvation]

Starting the third week of Lent on Sunday. There's still time to get started on something like fasting (if you haven't already been doing it.)

Lots of ideas.

[Habibi]

Well, it’s a nice description of the spiritual benefits of “fasting”: but as to the benefit of going without food as some sort of synergistic accompaniment to the religious observation, I’m afraid I still don’t have a feel for it.

Yes, I know that it’s mentioned in the Bible (and the Koran), and no doubt we could all afford to lose a few pounds, but Lent won’t do that for you. As one who is on a perpetual fasting regimen to keep my BMI below 25, perhaps I really don’t have an appreciation for those that have to “get on the wagon” to make things work with their religious observations.

More power to ‘em though. There will always be people like me in a small minority that don’t get it (though I can appreciate the opportunities that these observations provide). It just seems that the religious experience could be achieved without the fasting, as the message is not lost even if you “bust out” and hit “Golden Corral” during Lent. I know, my relatives would have to do it in disguise, or visit a distant city. Perhaps that’s why my wife’s parents (Catholics) always come to visit us during Lent. I always wondered when the fasting was going to start, as it never seemed to happen during their visits (they really “chow down”). I’m beginning to think it’s because we live 600 miles from their home, ergo no witnesses ;-)

[reaganaut]

I enjoyed the article, but I have a question for others. For medical reasons I am unable to fast from food and it is a discipline that I would like to work on.

Usually I ‘fast’ in other ways (like from TV, or an activity), but I was wondering if anyone else had other ideas.

[999replies]

I am not Catholic, but I found this very interesting. Thanks for posting.

[Judith Anne]

Really a good post. Lots of people will think you are a religious fanatic for fasting, which is one good reason to keep it secret. :-D

[Sir_Ed]

Thanks, Salvation...I find fasting very beneficial, although I don’t do it very often, as it IS difficult!

Ed

[Gamecock]

I fast from food starting mid-afternoon on Good Friday until daybreak on Easter Sunday. Done so for years.

I find it most uplifting.

[Biggirl]

Thank-you for your good word. Lent has never always been easy, this year as I go through a rough change of life, I though I never had a good start to Lent. Today I will be going to confession and at least I have the opportunity to start all over again. :)=^..^=

[Biggirl]

So you cannot just pray alone then without the fasting?

[Biggirl]

Fasting has never been my best stregth, more of a prayer person. Just do not know where to begin.

[Biggirl]

Good news Salvation, went to confession and from there I have found a NEW FOUND PEACE in my life and the new begining of healing and wholeness. :)=^..^=

Thank-you for your prayers and NOW I am truly able to do LENT! :)=^..^=