I've been intermittent fasting 16/8 solely for weight control for the past few weeks. I've been up at 5am nearly daily (which is not my normal routine) with nothing to do. From now on I'm going to enter into prayer during this time and offer up my fasting for someone in need. Weight loss need not be the focus. I thank God for your message today.
To be fair, it can be done for both reasons. If a diabetic non believer fasts for health reasons, who are we to tell him that his reasons are not proper?
@@carlosparra8976 My brother Carlos a Diabetic person is totaly different and ..and im not talking about Diabetic people..and people who have health problems are excuse ,not to Fast ...and Im refering of people who just want to fast to loose weight. THAT FAST HAS NO VALUE..Fasting is a matter of respect.
@@carlosparra8976We are in a religious video,to give opinions based on what we are being asked..your in a different topic,that topic you talking about is for health issues .This is a Catholic video,thats what im saying to you .
@@maryamal5538Tolerance and patience towards the process of others fits in any video, more so in a religious one, as religious folks are "supposedly" the ones teaching these values to others. Lets open our minds
@@maryamal5538 Actualy, it does have value. Regardless of a person's reasons for fasting, it still requires self control and self sacrifice. Fasting is so good for our bodies and our souls. When I fast for a week, water only, and my goal is autophagy, I know that I offer my sacrifice to Jesus; but I also know that I am improving my health and my ability to say no to temptation. Every holy desire that He puts on our hearts has value. Even if my first reason is to diet, if I'm spending this time not filling my body with food, I now have time to allow something, someone else in to my heart and mind. I have room for God.
Smiled when I heard psalm 46. God is so good cos he's placed that psalm in my heart since this pandemic started. Be still and know I AM. I'm also learning to fast, thanks for this video 😊
I fasted for 40 days o ce, and 18 days, and many other fasts fro healing, and it was indescribable. Spiritual connection with God and sensitivity to His voice was on another level during those times! Great video as usual guys ( and gal 😁 )! 👋 👍 😇
Wonderful messages father 🙌 Many Catholic in my country Indonesia do fasting ( group or personal fasting) every Monday and Thursday every week like David. When we do fasting we learn about Humility and obedient. May God have Mercy on us and world. Amen. 🇮🇩💓🇮🇩
I have done fasting for over 6 years. I started out slow, tried different variations over the years. I am 63 years of age and I do Wed/Fri (24) hour fasts. I find prayer time much more intimate, I sleep much better and have way more energy on these days.
That's very interesting. I'm interested on the physiological part. Do you lose a lot of weight or get underweight after fasting? Do you get your weight back? I'm curious to know why do you get more energy from fasting. Glory to God, I admire that virtue of yours, it will be a gem craved on your crown of sanctity in heaven. I want to start fasting and be good at it. Because all saints did it as well. Saint Anthony and Saint John Mary Vianney were extraordinary at this virtue. Fasting is essential for the spiritual life and for growing in virtue through self-mastery. And above all, to participate with Christ as a co-redeemer. May God Bless and assist you even more with His sanctifying grace.
I'm glad you guys are bringing this up. As a convert from Oriental Orthodox. I do fast before taking the Eucharist, and I still do as a Catholic. I know traditionally Catholics do the same, but it all changed. I do want to get back to fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays as I used to. However, I'm currently fasting from breakfast. So, I pray in that hour of the morning is a good start for the day.
Brother if I may ask when you fast on Wednesday and Friday how do actually fast ? Is there a traditional form of fasting or it depends on you ? Thank you again
@@christian-qq1tp Usually in a traditional form of fasting. And sometimes it's on me. but during Lenten season I do serious fasting on those days. However it does help me to focus on the Holy Trinity through prayers. Hope this answer to your questions. God bless!
This is a part of Catholicism that I've really never heard much about beyond during Lent. Very glad you discuss this important spiritual part of being a Catholic.
Well said! I’m publishing a weekly RU-vid video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him. Thank you.
I have a difficult time doing a fast, when speaking of food! I only eat once a day as is. If I had to eat 3 meals a day, I would be sick! I do think the average person eats too much food on a daily basis, and by doing so, it stretches the stomach. Though I do have an ice cream habit/addiction! Every night I eat a large bowl of ice cream..in bed..and then sleep on it! I should be 600lbs...ha! I just turned 60, (which is a crazy number) and can't blame my thinness on metabolism. I am very grateful for the genes that have been handed down to me! So for lent I am giving up my ice cream...which is extremely difficult for me! May God bless you all! ❤
I don't see the need for all these caveats. I fasted for 2 days a week every week purely for reasons of health and vanity. It caused me to watch hundreds of Ascension Presents videos, become chaste, and eventually seek out God and the church
totally agree!.................the same thing happened to me, people are such pussys these days ,this talk is making a 36 hr fast seem like running a marathon......................it's not that hard!................bit it is hard enough.
Some people have more physically demanding lives where holding to a true fast would in fact be harmful to them. These caveats are for people like that so they can still find a meaningful way to open themselves up to God without it becoming self-harm
@@Twilightblade7 I was referring to the spiritual caveats. You can exercise, lift weights (not power lift though), and lead a very active life while in a fasted state - if people think they can't it's more of a mental block. This video didn't really get into the important physical aspect of fasting which is methods of clearing your digestive system like drinking laxative teas or saltwater, which you need to do if you're fasting for more than 3 days and don't want to feel sick.
Every time I fast I thought about The Temptation of Jesus and how he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil and he was fasting 40 days and 40 nights and how amazing his love. Everything is centered to our Savior, fasting and prayers always best to go together and is such a healing thing to do.
Don’t forget to pray to the God Jesus prayed to, the only saviour. Also prostrate to the same God he prostrated to. Jesus was a mighty Prophet and we Love him
I haven't fasted and prayed like i use to and now I'm doing this 2 days a week. I even appreciate food more and am thankful to GOD we can pray. Very eye-opening how fasting has so many health benefits. Wow!
During lent my mum fasts for 40days. Dry fast, no water nothing. From night till 6pm the next day. When i was a kid we were encouraged to fast at least till 12pm the next day. Im not sure what Nigerian Catholics are up to today but i miss that childhood of mass, vigils, different groups within the church one could join etc. Unfortunately that disappeared when i came to the states, there was no respect for the church by the way people dressed and how they just shuffled into mass while late lol smh. Im just really trying to connect with God again and the church. It's been too long and I've tried all sorts of ways having faith but i always come back to the catholic church cos that's all i know and want to know.
Oh, sister, I feel your pain! I was attending a mass where half the church left after Communion, (and many came in late). I was so distracted and upset until The Lord told me to not be judgmental and that he had forgiven them so I had to. I started going to a more reverent Mass and I’ve been going there ever since. I’m much more at peace now, but if people do come in late or act irreverent I just remember the words I heard in prayer.
I started my fasting during Lent in a very late age. Change my habit because I wanna endure the spiritual journey with Christ in His sufferings. The least I can do to feel His transgressions is by self abstinence and fasting. I chose not to eat meat throughout the 40 days of Lent and fully fasting on Holy Triduum (Thursday's sunset until Easter's sunrise). I tell you, when you do self abstinence and fasting during Lent, the feeling of celebrating Easter is beyond anything! For me, I can feel the resurrected Christ lives in me! That's the joy that was inexplicable! I won my battle in fasting & self abstinence! Hooray!!
I've never really fasted properly and I'm 52. Last Good Friday was the closest with the two very small snacks and main meal. The previous ones were only a little less food than normal. I have a problem with food. I am not enormous but overweight and it shows. I need to do it both from a health and spiritual point of view.
I am new to the Catholic religion, but for me, fasting is giving up something as Christ gave up His perfect life for us, taking our sin when He was sinless. For all of us, it is the least we can do to give something up we enjoy in love for our Lord and Savior. I'm a bad drinker of soda, and need to diminish the intake, so it is the thing I am going to give up, for Him. My health will improve for it. But the lady' knowledge and guidelines are very welcomed. Thank you for this video.
I was looking for a video on fasting and prayer. I'm going to fast on Wednesdays and pray for souls in purgatory. I will start with this one day a week. I already abstain from meet Wednesdays and Fridays for my devotion to the brown scapular our lady.
I’ve just completed a 20 day water fast for health, spiritual and weight loss reasons. The first several days are the most difficult because your body is entering ketosis and ridding itself of all its sugar, caffeine, alcohol etc. addictions. The detox effects became apparent through days 5-10 and I felt better and better through the final days. 16-8 or one meal a day is more for calorie and insulin control. I wouldn’t consider it fasting. By the way, I lost 35lbs!
@@gabemelgoza2709 no particular regimen, just have some electrolytes and a multivitamin every couple days mixed in water to keep your body chemistry going. I work an office job with a little labour. I wouldn't do this if my job was labour intensive.
Thank you so much for this discussion. I certainly learned a lot. If I may suggest one thing though, that is to begin and end the discussion with a prayer 🙏🏻 God bless you!
I think prayer first is important. I also heard if we don’t understand fasting as taught by the desert fathers, it’s vanity. I know I’ve been called to fast and have not done it right but Im happy to know the Father is putting the desire in our heart.
Fasting (cutting back on meals (eating light - cereal instead of meat or carbs) and reducing quantity and changing types (liquids like milk and cereal again, instead of solids) is really helpful. I don't stop eating for a day but just change the way i eat. I have severe digestive condition for which i am on intravenous infusions and it really eases the pain and functionality.
Woo hoo!! What a cool bunch of people! Loved this session Father MarkMary. I really enjoyed the long video and the short videos are great as well! Love you all! : )
I am muslim and we fast for one month in ramadan every year. One hour before dawn to dusk, without water and any food. We have to give one meal every day to poor people. I used to fast. It is spiritual and at the same time it is your body get some rest .
Good to have such a topic that l have never heard that even as an example in a homily I hope our priests have ears5 to here this great help. The saints surely believed in fasting. And that made them be holier. Then saints...
The way to fast is i believe 40 days as Jesus did and thats the way i follow it with my family ..we prayed everyday 3pm stations of the cross, morning as soon we wake up lent prayers, bible, open our fast at 6pm..everyday
@Orry O Donoghue Yes i did brother ..and my all family does it as well..irs a great feeling and then go walk the brooklyn bridge to get to Saint Paul's Church in Manhattan ..fasting its amazing and to do 40 days ..we keep away from music,No Tv ,untill we open fast and after we can watch tv ..etc but not while we fasting
I am a Grandmother! That was funny! Food has Changed greatly since I was young. Jesus Said..To Seek HIM and HIS Righteousness. Jesus Helps me know how..what..and when to Eat. Jesus Knows what is Right for each individual. Just Ask HIM to Help You!
Fasting prayers, these have helped me immensely👇🏼 Prayer Before a Fast Begins (A Pre-Fast Prayer) Lord, as I begin this time of fasting, fill me with your strength. Help me to use this as a time of growth, renewal, and healing. Calm my anxiety about what I might be giving up or times of discomfort that I might face. Provide me with assurance that You will strengthen me during the difficult times and meet me for sweet moments of spiritual growth and surrender. Help me focus not on what is being taken away, but what I’m gaining as I use this as a spiritual discipline. With you leading, Holy Spirit, I am ready. I dedicate this fast to You, Lord, and to Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. Lord, I am in the middle of a fast. There have been moments that were easier than I expected. My desires weren’t as strong as I thought they would be. Temptations that I was dreading…weren’t so bad. Other times, I’ve been caught off guard by moments that I thought would be no problem, and instead they have proved incredibly difficult. Right now, I still have a ways to go and end feels far off. Give me the supernatural strength to keep going by Your power, Lord. Grow me in the fruits of spirit that I need to endure this, like patience, peace, and self-control. In Your holy name I make these requests, Amen. God, the time of my fast is coming to an end. Thank you for giving me the strength to carry this out. I have grown in strength and in my relationship with You. I know I could never have done this by my own power. As this time of restraint finishes, lead me in my next steps. Help me move slowly and gently back into a regular pattern of behavior. Help me not to go crazy with pent-up desire but instead, move with grace and intention. I trust Your guidance, Lord. In Jesus name I ask this, Amen.
I have anemia but in January in a bit of February i didn’t eat at all every Tuesday Friday and Sunday. This is all thanks to God. I’m a woman and I find what you said about men and women fasting differently sexist.
We don't really need to reinvent the wheel ourselves. Our Desert Fathers taught the Church how to fast, and Mother Church has a season of fasting for the year's calendar, with special fasts before important feasts like Christmas and Easter to prepare our hearts to receive the graces He wants to give us. Our Lady reminds us to look to the old ways. When I started fasting, I just followed the Eastern Church--(there's an app for that! Daily Readings from the Greek Orthodox) and just do what it says to do for the day. The goal is on Weds and Fridays though the whole year to abstain from meat fish dairy eggs oil and wine, and fast from all food and water beginning at midnight the previous day to dusk (for lay people 6pm is fine.) It's hard at first, and you can use bread and water when you need to, but it really is better not to. Offering it up for someone you love who is struggling makes it much easier, and it is so beneficial to increase your fortitude to resist and kick out all the garbage in your soul. Add the practice of praying OUT LOUD "In the name of Jesus, I renounce the spirit of _________ I take back all authority I gave this over my life and I ask God for the virtue of _________." and watch healing miracles occur! Fasting supercharges your prayer. It's not some sort of punishment. It's a gift.
God’s will is always permanent... the metaphysics of fasting is to realize how and why you pray...praying is always your wants and not God wants...I hope Catholics could do fasting and finds God’s will...
This is true but I think they're talking about beginners. Besides there can always be that secret fast that you don't tell the other person about. In my family we have the family rosary and then our own private prayers that we say behind closed doors for an unknown length of time and quantity.
ST. BASIL THE GREAT: “Take heed that you do not make fasting to consist only in abstinence from food. True fasting is to refrain from vice. Shred to pieces all your unjust contracts. Pardon your neighbors. Forgive them their trespasses.” ST. FRANCIS DE SALES: “Everyone paints devotion according to his own passions and fancies. A man given to fasting thinks himself very devout if he fasts, although his heart may be filled with hatred. A man doesn’t dare wet his tongue with wine or even water, yet he won’t hesitate to drink deeply of his neighbor’s blood by slander, vilification and gossip. Another man thinks himself devout because he daily recites a vast number of prayers, but after saying them he utters the most disagreeable, arrogant and harmful words at home and among his neighbors.” As with all religious practices, fasting must serve the greater goal of uniting ourselves with God through loving our neighbor. Jesus said that all will know his disciples by the way they love one another. He didn’t say that his followers would be known by the severity and frequency of their fasting and other penances.
Jesus said and commended that we fast that they of his dead- FRIDAY! I started on this day cause is biblical but everyone is giving grace to start as long as it conduces a relationship with Jesus! Health, wealth and Joy is a direct bi-product of being perfect with the Lord!
Might decrease your milk supply, I wouldnt fast when pregs or breast feeding. I am sure God will understand and your intention is what he will take from this. God bless you
Whenever I need to bulk for body building I will usually just do abstinence and fast from music.... make sure your cut lines up with Lent and the Advent fast, lol. I also simply only abstain Friday instead of my usual fasting on both Wed. And Fri.
What does Jackie mean by toxins. This is a general term people use and often make statements w/o evidence to support the statement. When fasting with enemas or high colonics the sigmoid colon can be irrigated of its contents but I can not prove that toxins will be removed. Fasting to lose weight does not work in any case. Because we gain more weight and gain weight faster. Therefore this is a weight gaining diet. After a fast, typically of three days or more, it is important to start eating with broths and lighter veggies and later protein. I have been a student of fasting and it frees the mind from materialism and preoccupation with food. It provides time previously taken with food prep for meditation and prayer. It allows the digestive system a pause . Fasting is the absence of food. Consuming fruit and vegetables is called a diet to be precise. This is still a good discussion on the importance of fasting.
"Having a mentor helps. Get a partner." What if you don't have one? I have no one to talk to about any of this. I have no one to go through things with me. I don't even know how to start What do I do? I want to fast, I can and I am healthy enough. I pray God shows me how, or who to ask.
Maybe approach a parish priest or a religous sister in your town? I think they might by happy for your request, feel humbled and start together with you.
What does your scripture say about how to fast? Be specific for us who are not catholics. Why are there different forms of fasting are all these authorized by the bible? Please explain if you can
I agree. Leaving dinner away is far better (healthier) than cutting out breakfast. A German saying is "Have breakfast like a king, lunch like a citizen, dinner like a beggar". Break-fasting.
How about fasting as a we way of "self-punishment"? It sounds a little harsh when I say it like that but I don't know how else to say it. I've always seen fasting as a way to get right with God once again, especially because I often have times where I will go long months without praying, going to church, or thinking about God at all. I come back to the faith, but going to confession and getting the grind back just does not seem like enough. Could fasting be a way to get myself back on track that's more than just the typical way?
I am understanding that fasting is really the sacrifice of pleasure. If someone was to fast from food or foods but took supplements such as protein supplements, like a shake, to keep well and have energy is that a fake fast or does that not count as a real fast? You're still fasting from the pleasure of food but maintaining healthy nutritional needs or are you supposed to feel the weakness and discomfort in your body as well as giving up things you like. Is part of fasting feeling that depravation and physical pain in your body?
Please remember that Billions of people around the world Fast and they are NOT Catholic. I welcome people of all faiths to embrace Fasting as a healthy addition to your lifestyle. If it brings you spiritual clarity... Wonderful. AMEN
How can I practice the spiritual discipline of fasting if I struggle from hypoglycemia and feel unwell (a.k.a., would have to stay in bed I would feel so sick) if I don't eat frequently?
@Alan Pelletier Thank you for the kind reply. I have also struggled with an eating disoder, so it's hard when I hear about fasting and really would love to do that (because of the spiritual benefits) but I just don't think it's wise for me to do so. I am so thankful that Jesus meets me in my poverty and need ... but I still feel like I'm missing out on something great because I can't fast from food.
@@classicsfan10 this is a very late reply, but you can try fasting from other things such as entertainment , personal habits, or sleep if possible (vigils). Depending on whether your married or not sexual intercourse is another thing that can be cut out during a period of fasting (I believe its more of an Eastern tradition)
Interesting. I learned since my catechism classes when I was a kid that you´re supposed to fast at least one hour before receiving the Eucharist, only exceptions are old people or if you´re sick and need to have food for taking medication, but you need to be as purified as possible both spiritually (in state of grace) and physically (abstain from food).
So instead of saying how you can fast, what does the church teach about fasting. I know in the Didache it says to fast wesnday and Friday. But is that complete fast or just one meal on them days or the useally on Fridays just no meat ?
I'm diabetic type 2, we can do the intermittent fasting. Actually I was hospitalized for a couple days and this was recommended as a way to loose weight. So you may want to check with your physician if you are type 2. Just an idea. I will be ,praying for you. God Bless
Father Larry Richards was hospitalized last year due to being diabetic and fasting. Although some nutritionist say you can actually get rid of diabetes by fasting but I would definitely speak with an expert on this topic
It's kind of funny to read all these comments about people fasting and how much they like it. Some of it almost sounds like boasting and bragging. It reminds me very much of the passage Jesus gave us about this. "When you fast, don't do it in such a way that you will be noticed by men or praised and glorified about it on RU-vid but do it in such a way that the RU-vid world will never even know about it, but God will".
@Lion Lion Its not very nice of you to suggest to somebody that you don't even know to change their name. Thank you all the same but I'll keep it. God bless you.
