What is the power of fasting? Fasting helps us to turn our backs on the-lesser-version-of-ourselves and embrace the-best-version-of-ourselves. 

Saint Radbod harnessed the power of fasting. Radbod was a Benedictine monk who loved poetry and studying science. When he was invited to become the Bishop of Utrecht, he had trouble accepting the position because it was such a heavy responsibility. So how did Radbod ensure he would be a strong leader for the Church? Through prayer and fasting. After he became bishop, Radbod never ate meat again, avoided food for two to three days at a time, and used very little seasoning on his food. Radbod understood the power of fasting—a practice we have largely forgotten in the modern age.

Fasting should be a part of our everyday spirituality. How? Never leave a meal table without practicing some form of fasting. It is these tiny acts that harness the body as a worthy servant and strengthen the will for the great moments of decision that are a part of each of our lives. Beyond these small moments of fasting, we should each seek more intense encounters with fasting and abstinence if we are serious about the spiritual life—because it will help us to turn away from sin and turn back to God.

Fasting helps us to turn our backs on the-lesser-version-of-ourselves and embrace the-best-version-of-ourselves.

Perhaps you can fast one day a week—two small meals, one full meal, and nothing to eat between meals. Perhaps you can fast one day a week on bread and water. Or maybe all you can manage at this time is to give up coffee for a day. Personalize your fasting. You know what it is that has a grip on you. Friday has always been a traditional day of fasting, but only you can decide what the right fast is for you.

Try not to be prideful about it. Come humbly to God in prayer, and there in the classroom of silence, decide upon some regular practice of fasting and abstinence. Then, from time to time, review this practice. If you feel called to add to it, add to it. It is also important to recognize that not all forms of fasting involve food. You can fast from judging others, criticizing, cursing, or complaining, to name but a few.

Fasting is a simple yet powerful way to turn toward God. If there is a question in your life, fast and ask God to lead you. He will. If you have a persistent sin that you just cannot seem to overcome, then fast. Some demons can only be cast out by prayer and fasting together.

Fasting is radically countercultural, but so is Christianity.



Feast Day: November 29

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Saturnin 

Patron Saint of: Catholic Scientists and Catholic Higher Education