Why do we fast?

[Cary.Melvin]

What is the purpose of fasting?

Thanks,

 

[Photini]

I have posted this somewhere around here before...and I must say, this is probably one of the most beautiful explanations of why we fast and live an ascetic life that I have ever read. Also very approriate for the Lenten season. Take time to read the whole article at the link...it's very worthwhile.

http://www.monachos.net/monasticism/ascetic.shtml

​

A boy once approached his father, ‘Old man, why do you fast?’ The father stood silent, bringing heart and mind together, and then:
​

‘Beloved boy, I fast to know what it is I lack.​

For day by day I sit in abundance, and​

all is well before me;​

I want not, I suffer not, and I​

lack but that for which I invent a need.​

But my heart is empty of true joy,​

filled, yet overflowing with dry waters.​

There is no room left for love.​

I have no needs, and so my needs are never met,​

no longings, and so my desires are never fulfilled.​

Where all the fruits of the earth could dwell, I have​

filled the house with dust and clouds;​

It is full, so I am content—​

But it is empty, and so I weep.​

‘Thus I fast, beloved, to know the​

dust in which I dwell.​

I take not from that which I might take,​

for in its absence I am left empty,​

and what is empty stands ready to be​

filled.​

I turn from what I love, for my love is barren,​

and by it I curse the earth.​

I turn from what I love, that I may purify my loving,​

and move from curse to blessing.​

‘From my abundance I turn to want,​

as the soldier leaves the comfort of home,​

of family and love,​

to know the barrenness of war.​

For it is only amongst the fight, in the​

torture of loss, in the fire of battle,​

that lies are lost and the blind man​

clearly sees.​

In hunger of body and mind, I see​

the vanity of food,​

for I have loved food as food,​

and have never been fed.​

In weary, waking vigil I see​

the vanity of sleep,​

for I have embraced sleep as desire,​

and have never found rest.​

In sorrow, with eyes of tears I see​

the vanity of pleasure,​

for I have treasured happiness above all,​

and have never known joy.​

‘I fast, beloved child, to crush the wall​

that is my self;​

For I am not who I am, just as these passions​

are not treasures of gold but of clay.​

I fast to die, for it is not the living who are​

raised, but the dead.​

I fast to crucify my desires, for He who was​

crucified was He who lived,​

and He who conquered,​

and He who lives forever.’​

​

​

 

[AmeriLovesJesus]

I have posted this somewhere around here before...and I must say, this is probably one of the most beautiful explanations of why we fast and live an ascetic life that I have ever read. Also very approriate for the Lenten season. Take time to read the whole article at the link...it's very worthwhile.

http://www.monachos.net/monasticism/ascetic.shtml

That was beautiful

 

[PeterPaul]

In one hour EST, no more bread,cookies,candy,soda.....can't wait!