Thoughts:
I preference my efforts to fast 21 days with the note that I was not a very good faster and that fact still remains. I am struggling with fasting still and will probably attempt to at least do it two days a week as our Lady has asked us to through her messages she's given in Medjugorje. Some may think I am weak and a failure and that, I am, no doubt. I believe in the merits of fasting, and I know that I am weak and still need to try; however, through the past ten to twelve days I have had some realizations. One is that I am notorious for putting myself on a rubric, a schedule, a list of dos and don'ts, so in this fast, I feel like I have added to that and in a sense missed the important things I should be fasting from, such as an unforgiving heart, judgement of others and myself, etc. I hope I will one day be able to do a fast for a long haul and I will continue to try. For now I am deliberating and being honest about my weaknesses. Upon reflecting on this weakness I found this quote, perhaps a reminder from God not to completely give up or loose heart or think my efforts have been lost or in vain:
I preference my efforts to fast 21 days with the note that I was not a very good faster and that fact still remains. I am struggling with fasting still and will probably attempt to at least do it two days a week as our Lady has asked us to through her messages she's given in Medjugorje. Some may think I am weak and a failure and that, I am, no doubt. I believe in the merits of fasting, and I know that I am weak and still need to try; however, through the past ten to twelve days I have had some realizations. One is that I am notorious for putting myself on a rubric, a schedule, a list of dos and don'ts, so in this fast, I feel like I have added to that and in a sense missed the important things I should be fasting from, such as an unforgiving heart, judgement of others and myself, etc. I hope I will one day be able to do a fast for a long haul and I will continue to try. For now I am deliberating and being honest about my weaknesses. Upon reflecting on this weakness I found this quote, perhaps a reminder from God not to completely give up or loose heart or think my efforts have been lost or in vain:
There are three things, my brethren, by which faith stands firm, devotion remains constant, and virtue endures. They are prayer, fasting and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. Prayer, mercy and fasting: these three are one, and they give life to each other. Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. Let no one try to separate them; they cannot be separated. If you have only one of them or not all together, you have nothing. So if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others you open God's ear to yourself.
-- Saint Peter Chrysologus
So, I know God is calling me to master this difficulty. I know he wants to give me certain graces and blessings. So I will continue to show a fast/sacrifices in some way shape or form and mediate on our Lady's requests and advice.
Prayer:
Lord, I am weak, so I need you to be strong as I will work on taking time to fast this week. Be with me, have mercy on me and create in me a pure heart O, God. Amen.
It is when I am weak that I am strong!~
ReplyDeleteI love your honesty, I find it helpful. I also love the writings of Saint Peter Chrysologus that you have posted here.
God bless you.
Thank you for your continued support. I too enjoy his writings. God bless.
ReplyDelete