Certain spirits "goeth not out but by prayer and fasting" (Matthew 17:21).
Beloved ones, let us reflect upon the divine teaching conveyed in the Gospel according to Matthew, where it is inscribed that certain spirits "goeth not out but by prayer and fasting" (Matthew 17:21). This lesson, imparted to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, serves as a spiritual cornerstone for those who seek to comprehend the profound depths of battling spiritual adversities.
Firstly, consider the context of this scripture. After the miraculous healing of a boy vexed by a demon, the apostles approached Christ in bewilderment, puzzled by their inability to perform the exorcism. Jesus’ response was not merely an instruction but a revelation: the most formidable foes cannot be conquered by human strength alone but require a surrender through prayer and the ascetic discipline of fasting.
This leads us to the inherent power of prayer and fasting. Prayer connects the devout soul to the Divine, serving as the breath of the spirit, while fasting purifies the body, making it a worthy vessel for spiritual endeavors. Together, these disciplines fortify the soul against the wiles of the devil and elevate the human condition to divine proximity.
Why, then, did Christ emphasize these practices? The answer lies in the nature of spiritual warfare. The demon, as described, was not merely a mild adversary but a potent force of darkness. Similarly, the spiritual challenges we face are not always of equal magnitude; some are so deeply entrenched that only a combination of prayer and fasting can dislodge them. It is a testament to the necessity of total dependence on God's grace and strength, beyond our mere human efforts.
Moreover, fasting is not merely an abstention from food but an exercise in humility and control. It teaches us to master our desires and submit our entire being to God. This submission is crucial, not only in moments of spiritual confrontation but as a continuous stance in the life of a believer.
In the patristic tradition, as echoed by the Church Fathers, including St. John Chrysostom, the practice of fasting coupled with prayer is extolled as a dual weapon forged in the fires of devout faith. St. John Chrysostom, in particular, articulated how these practices cleanse the soul and prepare it for divine encounters and revelations. They are not merely ritualistic but transformative actions that renew the believer and strengthen the Church.
Thus, the fruits of such spiritual disciplines are manifold. They include increased sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance, a fortified resolve against sin, and a heart more attuned to the divine will. Historically, the great saints and martyrs of the Church have borne witness to the efficacy of prayer and fasting, not only in their miraculous deeds but in their steadfast faith amid persecution and trial.
In contemporary times, when the allure of materialism and the seduction of secularism seem overwhelming, the call to prayer and fasting is ever more pertinent. As the world grows more complex, the simplicity of a devoted life of prayer and fasting provides a beacon of hope and a testament of the divine kingdom among us.
Let us then, with fervent spirit and disciplined bodies, embrace these sacred practices. As we do so, we align ourselves with the apostolic tradition and the example of Christ Himself, who fasted and prayed in the wilderness, conquering temptation by His divine strength. Through these acts, may we too become vessels of His light and life, bearers of His love, and heralds of His Kingdom.
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always.
May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us.
Amen.
© John's Repentance
Reach out to us on our social media platforms and share it with your friends: https://linktr.ee/johnsrepentance