A Call to Fast

[SnowAngels]

Hi CAF!

This may be an odd question, but I would like any suggestions you have!
I fasted all throughout Lent, and now that Easter has come, I find myself slightly sad. Of course, I’m happy that it’s Easter itself, but I know I will miss that daily sacrifice. I feel a longing to continue to fast, as I have found joy in it. I have been doing a bit of research about St. Catherine and her perpetual fasting. I know some people are called to fast as part of their vocation, and I am starting to wonder if that is how I am (I am also discerning the religious life).

I do have a Spiritual Director who is helping me discern the religious life. Should I talk to him about it?

In case any of you were wondering, I am very healthy, and a food lover. In other words, this isn’t an eating disorder.

Thank you! God bless, and HAPPY EASTER! :extrahappy: :angel1: :harp: :grouphug:

 

[GEddie]

Hi CAF!

This may be an odd question, but I would like any suggestions you have!
I fasted all throughout Lent, and now that Easter has come, I find myself slightly sad. Of course, I’m happy that it’s Easter itself, but I know I will miss that daily sacrifice. I feel a longing to continue to fast, as I have found joy in it. I have been doing a bit of research about St. Catherine and her perpetual fasting. I know some people are called to fast as part of their vocation, and I am starting to wonder if that is how I am (I am also discerning the religious life).

I do have a Spiritual Director who is helping me discern the religious life. Should I talk to him about it?

In case any of you were wondering, I am very healthy, and a food lover. In other words, this isn’t an eating disorder.

Thank you! God bless, and HAPPY EASTER! :extrahappy: :angel1: :harp: :grouphug:

Talk to a priest. If you don’t have a spiritual mentor, find one.

It is crucial that you get sound spiritual guidance before undergoing a long–term, as opposed to Lenten, mortification of body.

ICXC NIKA

 

[Corki]

Even in religious orders where they fast regularly, they don’t fast on feast days. The octave of Easter is a feast. So, if you feel you are called to more fasting, you have at least a week to discuss it with your spiritual director.

 

[Cricket2]

SnowAngel,

Sure go ahead and talk to your Spiritual Director for solid advise on fasting. Remember, fasting is not just about giving up food however. You could include such things as giving up your time to help someone with free baby sitting or elder care, giving up a shopping trip for new clothes or giving some of your clothes away, walking to the store rather than driving, spending more time in volunteer work. All this means that you are giving up something you would like to use for yourself so someone else can have it.

Maybe you have a favorite higher costing brand of veggies, salad dressing or other food you like. Replace it with something that is not so “high end”. If you like soda pops give them up entirely, if you drink bottled water, stop and go buy a water filter for home and use tap water. (We do this because bottled water take so much water to bottle. One liter of bottled water takes 5 liters to bottle.)

So all I am suggesting is don’t get trapped in thinking only of giving up food as a fast or a meal, but investigate your daily activities and see if there is some activity, clothing, tv program or other things you do that you can give up and exchange for something else. Also remember that if you are ill you can offer up related losses as a form of fast.

 

[RuthTherese]

I think it is definitely spiritually beneficial to fast, and that’s something that definitely should be encouraged. Just listen to your body, and talk to your spiritual director. And also be open to fasting from other things, not just food. It’s something I’ve been looking into as well. Fasting is difficult for me, so I hope to practice more once the period of Easter joy has come to a close.

 

[mh2007]

I would only add a few words concerning diets in general. Avoiding things like fried foods, refined sugar, bleached white flour, etc. is very healthy - not just physically, but mentally as well. Fasting helps to clear your system of salts and toxins. A diet of fresh fruits and raw vegetables is beneficial on several fronts. Fruits in the morning, and vegetables in the evening are ideal for your system. Good health to you - physically, mentally, and spiritually!

 

[ready]

Get the approval of a spiritual director and begin fasting. Mortification is very good. God bless you.

 

[gabriel40]

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.