Fasting and Prayer for our Country

Why do Catholic’s fast?  Just as we are to rest on Sunday, we are all called to fast or abstain on Friday.  Most people think that ended with Vatican II.  It did not.  Before Vatican II we were called to fast from meat on every Friday unless it fell on a solemnity.  After Vatican II we were called to fast or abstain every Friday from whatever we choose to fast from except during Lent, we are still called to fast from meat.

Why does the Church implore us to fast?  Why is it so important?  Because self denial helps us to grow in holiness.  It helps us to see beyond our own desires and offer up something we want and desire to help others.

St. Basil the Great said:

Fasting gives birth to prophets and strengthens the powerful; fasting makes lawgivers wise. Fasting is a good safeguard for the soul, a steadfast companion for the body, a weapon for the valiant, and a gymnasium for athletes. Fasting repels temptations, anoints unto piety; it is the comrade of watchfulness and the artificer of chastity. In war it fights bravely, in peace it teaches stillness.
 

So now we are asking our parish to fast and pray for 40 days.  You can choose to pray a rosary every day for the special intention of our country or you can offer to pray the rosary on one day and choose other opportunities to fast. 

When you are in the mood for a cup of coffee, ice cream or your favorite food – what would happen if you chose to say – I will not have ____ today - and offer up this small desire for our country.  It is that easy.  If you want to indulge more in asceticism you can fast from a particular item for the full 40 days and choose something that is truly a sacrifice.  Or use a form of self-discipline that moves you to pray each day – such as the rosary or an hour of silence per day. 

God is challenging us to prepare for battle.  He is asking us to stretch beyond our daily comforts and use the swords of prayer and fasting against the principalities of darkness.

Each person knows their strengths and weaknesses.  As we ask God how he wants us to pray for our country, let us discern what God is asking each one of us to do.

God bless our country and our many freedoms including the freedom of religion. 

Our Intention in Prayer
That God will send forth legions of angels to do battle against the principalities of darkness, to end division within our country and promote a culture that respects life, and promotes peace, healing and charity.

Sign up to pray the rosary: Don't forget to submit at the bottom of the sign up.

To learn more about fasting and prayer you can go to the links below:
Spiritual Weapons of Fasting
What is the Point of Fasting
Homily by St. Basil
USCCB on Fasting and Abstinance (note pp18-24)