The Spirituality of Fasting
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that fasting is not merely abstaining from food, but a complete spiritual life aimed at drawing closer to God through repentance, prayer, and spiritual work.
Fasting as a Change of Life
True fasting is a change of life, not just a change of food. It is a period in which a person lives with God and allows the spirit to grow at the expense of bodily desires.
Repentance as the Foundation
Fasting is not accepted without true repentance. Fasting while continuing in sin is not considered fasting, because its goal is to approach God, while sin separates from Him.
Fasting and Prayer
Fasting must be accompanied by prayer, as subduing the body is a means to release the spirit. Without spiritual practice, fasting becomes merely a physical act without fruit.
Humility and Spiritual Hunger
Feeling hunger during fasting helps a person feel their weakness, leading to humble prayer, which gives prayer greater strength and impact.
Spiritual Practice and Exercises
Fasting requires spiritual exercises such as silence, self-control, good use of time, and acquiring virtues. Without a spiritual goal, fasting loses its value.
Fasting as a Relationship of Love
Fasting is not only practices, but a relationship of love and fellowship with God, where a person feels His presence.
Church and Service Dimension
The Fast of the Apostles is connected to service and building the Church, not just personal repentance, highlighting the communal aspect of fasting.
Spiritual Fruits
Proper fasting leads to spiritual strength, endurance, detachment from the world, and growth in spiritual life, making a person long for fasting rather than its end.
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