A TESTIMONY ON FASTING

A TESTIMONY ON FASTING

 

“When you fast, do not look gloomy….” – Matthew 6:16

 

Years ago, we would gather every Friday night at the prayer room from 8:00 p.m. till the wee hours of the morning to intercede for souls and pray for all the petitions submitted during prayer meetings.

In preparation for this spiritual warfare, it was my practice to fast every Friday. I would take nothing but water until 3:00 p.m. I can still remember how the Lord strengthened me physically to survive it all amidst heavy schedules like counseling elementary and high school students and other activities.

One of the tough times I hurdled with no food was a volleyball game with teachers and co-counselors. At one point I felt the chills and thought I’d pass out. But with the grace of God, I pulled through and felt so victorious in the Lord that evening during our prayer battle. People who did not know the sacrifice I was going through added spice and flavor to my offering.Cristy Galang (cristy_cc@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Do I fast or perform sacrifices for the Lord to showcase them? Or is it a secret between God and me?

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me today to do some acts of sacrifice to season my Christian life. Lead me to what offering I can do to strengthen me spiritually and let it be just between us. Amen.

 

A DOUBLE PORTION

 

It used to be always fun to have second servings of everything: food, drink, favors received. Seconds always give one a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. Every mother knows what it means when the vendor offers a little “dagdag” (extra).

Even Elisha asked for a double portion from Elijah. His request was granted. He was given much more than he bargained for. We all can report similar experiences of “graced moments” like those of Elisha. We beg the Lord for something and before we know it, we receive more than we asked for — grace upon grace — “siksik, liglig, at naguumapaw” (pressed down, shaken together and running over). I come from the boonies of Cavite, which used to be known as the less progressive “upland” as distinct from “lowland Cavite.” Coming as we did from one of those farming towns, we had less in every way. There was only one recurrent request that came out as fervent prayer from both my parents — that all of us, their nine children, would have a solid education. Needless to say, we all received double portions from the Lord. Our parents did not do too badly in that regard. But deep inside us, we knew that it was not only because of who they were and what they did for us. It was mostly on account of who God was for them and us, and what He did for us. Credit is due to Him who acted historically in Elijah, Elisha and so many other prophets and leaders, including our hardworking parents.

People of faith don’t simply pay lip service to such truths. They live it on a day-to-day basis. The religious hypocrites mentioned in today’s Gospel merely go through the motions. But their heart is far from the conviction that when God gives, He does so with prodigal generosity. For the essentials that were basically invisible to the eyes, they settled for a shallow show of piety.

We ought to aim high. We cannot be satisfied with shallowness a n d superficiality. We need to get close to a God of double portion — God who loves us without bounds.Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

Recall the many blessings in your life. Give thanks to God for them.

 

Our loving God, thank You for my life. Thank You for all the blessings — both the seen and unseen — that You have poured upon my lap.

 

Blessed Guy Vignotelli, pray for us.