4 Reasons for Fasting

Why do we fast? Fr. Mike explains that it’s not about getting more love and attention from God. Fasting is about self-mastery, discernment, sacrifice, and being a co-redeemer with Jesus. In this video, Fr. Mike dives deeper into these four reasons, helping you make the most of your fasting this Lent.

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[dominikpavelic]

Fasting is the most powerful prayer, trust me. Fasting can solve any problem.
I knew a girl who struggled bulimia for years. I decided to pray and fast for her every friday eating only little bread and drinking water. She didn't knew that. I prayed for 7 fridays and later she told me she feels much much better. She never vomited since then (3 years already). God healed her totally. Actually, she is my girlfriend and she will never find out how she got better :)
I'm not saying this to boast, just to give testimony how great fasting truly is. Sorry for bad English :P

[jennietgalvan]

This is one of the reasons I love being Catholic. When I was a protestant I didn't understand so many things about worship and fasting that make so much sense now that I'm Catholic. I think all of the things that Fr. Mike mentions in the video are things I've realized as I've started implementing the discipline of fasting into my life. For a long time I was a slave to my flesh, but once I started fasting I was able to take control in this area. I also want to say that prayer and fasting go together (which is probably a no-brainer). It was my discipline in praying the rosary that I think probably led to the discipline of fasting for me. The Rosary is actually something that has been a big witness for me when I have doubts. Praying the Rosary daily helped me to overcome personal sin in my life, which led to a deeper walk with God, which led to the desire to fast. I'm not perfect by any means and I give all Glory to God for the deliverance I see in my life. I'm so much happier and fulfilled since coming to the Catholic faith and incorporating these disciplines into my life.

[eugenecanady]

Father Mike, I was 100 pounds overweight and decided to do a 40 Day fast, with Jesus as my role model. I'm currently on Day 27 and while I am doing the fast primarily for health reasons, I find myself focused on my relationship with the Holy Spirit, Christ's time in the desert, and catching up on my Bible in a Year Podcast. Thank you for helping me keep my focus.

[stevensonsaldo]

4 reasons for fasting:
1. Self mastering
2. Discernment or obedience
3. Sacrifice
4. To become a co - redeemer of Christ

[Baldwinthefourth-]

During this video I was eating these fruit strips. I knew I already had enough but I thought, "let me grab one more." Then, it hit me, I'm not doing what I wanted, I was a slave to that food! Look how tricky the devil is, tempting me to eat while watching a video on fasting. Stand firm everyone, stay aware of your actions!

[GlowinginGlory]

I snooze my alarm for a whole hour I have the biggest struggle getting up right away like it’s so hard!! I’ve been asking God what I need to fast on and i think he just answered my prayer 🥺🙌🏼

[jacobhoyt]

Good video. I'm a non Catholic Christian and I love most of your videos. You speak with so much love and I realized that I really didn't understand Catholic doctrine, I thought it was all pagan but in reality there are good reasons for the doctrine. May God bless you and keep you in Jesus name

[cabscabs]

I used to fast for my physical health but now I do it to get closer to GOD..thank you for this father!

[briankelly]

I have never been more at peace with God than when I fast...

[gracesamita]

I’m trying to let go of worry and anxiety, I’m gnh start fasting so I can learn to let go of control and Listen to god more. Thank you father mike! God bless you

[ELPChristineHarrington]

Father....Now I'm going to have to get up when my alarm goes off so I don't have alarm guilt! LOL! Loved the video..and when my alarm goes off tomorrow morning, I'll say a prayer as I get up for the poor souls in purgatory. Beautiful!

[tammyvo]

Dear Father, I love how you delivered such a beautiful and valuable message through your sense of humors.🙏😊

[rjam]

The snooze button got me. I am so guilty of this. I hope I can persevere this Lent and will be able to stop this bad habit. Thanks Father Mike.

[TimelessjewelbyDebra]

I would love to see a video about the importance of praying at an adoration chapel.I use to cover 2am to 3am, it was my favorite thing.

[miriamgiordano]

Thank you Father, I've been struggling soo much, beating myself for not being able to fast, convincing myself that my lack of fasting will change Gods opinion of me, but this for me is a reminder that fasting has a much deeper purpose in my life. And Gods opinion of me will never ever change. It made me realise as well that I'm struggling with my fasting because of the reasons why I'm fasting, for perfection. Anyway, thank you Father and God bless you for all you are doing. 😊🙏

[jonathanclemmons]

I am a protestant charasmatic Christian and I love these videos. Very good stuff

[debbie]

I fast outside of the two obligatory days, to support my prayers

[clavelchibuye]

This is one of the best moments in the Catholic calendar.proud Catholic.

[flyesouisi]

I have biological problems with fasting from food. So My fast is to drink nothing but water except on Sundays. And I fast as a gift to Mother Mary. I feel in my heart she accepts it.

[Star]

I can't LIKE this video enough. LOVE IT. thank you!