The Apostles’ Fast – Part 2
The Apostles’ Fast is the Fast of Service
The lecture explains that the Apostles’ Fast is not merely abstaining from food, but it is the fast of service connected with the coming of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Lord Christ fasted before beginning His ministry, likewise the apostles began their ministry with fasting after the Holy Spirit came upon them. From that time, fasting became inseparable from service in the Church, because fasting prepares a person spiritually to be a suitable instrument in the hand of God.
Second: Fasting and Asceticism as Spiritual Power
True fasting is not limited to abstaining from food, but includes detachment from material things and hatred of sin. A person may abstain from sin while his heart is attached to it, but perfection is to despise it and hate it. Through fasting, a person rises above the level of the body, feels his weakness, and thus the spirit of humility dwells in him instead of pride, and his soul becomes prepared for deep prayer and union with God.
Third: The Church of the Apostles as Growing and Strong
After the coming of the Holy Spirit, a marvelous power appeared in the early Church. Thousands believed in one day, and the word of God was growing and the number of disciples was multiplying. Despite persecution, imprisonment, beating, and threats, the Church continued to grow because the Holy Spirit was working in it. It transformed from a fearful group into a courageous evangelizing Church everywhere.
Fourth: The Power of the Holy Spirit in Service
The Holy Spirit was the One who sent the apostles, determined the places of their service, chose the servants, and spoke through their tongues. The ministry was not by human power, but by divine power. Therefore miracles appeared, and the preaching spread in Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. The Church lived in constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit, so the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word with signs.
Fifth: Courage and Self-Sacrifice
Fasting and asceticism prepared the apostles to offer their lives. They did not fear death because their hearts were not attached to the world. They endured imprisonment, exile, and martyrdom with joy, considering suffering for the name of Christ an honor. The Church was strong because it was a Church of prayer, fasting, and the Holy Spirit, thus it became an example of true life and spiritual growth.
Sixth: Apostolic Tradition and Transmission
The apostles did not only deliver the faith, but also delivered the Church tradition, that is, the life they lived and taught. The Lord Christ commanded them to teach people all that He had commanded them, and this teaching was transmitted from generation to generation. Thus the Church was founded upon the foundation of the apostles, and from them we received the faith, the liturgy, the Eucharistic mystery, and everything we live in the Church.
The Spiritual Message of the Lecture
The main message is that fasting is power for service, and that the living Church is the one in which fasting, prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit come together. Through fasting the body is sanctified, and through the Holy Spirit the service is sanctified, so the Church becomes strong and growing, witnessing to Christ in every time and place.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
