Continued 👇🏾
The Example of the Saints and the Obligation of Fasting
The lives of our ancestors who lived long and holy lives through fasting and prayer are living evidence of its blessings. For example:
👉🏾 St. Cyril of Alexandria lived 108 years.
👉🏾 St. Anthony lived 105 years.
👉🏾 St. Macarius of Alexandria lived 100 years on earth.
When believers fast, our God extends their lives to allow for repentance and growth in holiness.
✍🏾Prayer, intercession, and worship during fasting increase the spiritual benefits we gain. As St. Jared teaches: “Be like a person who fasts and prays for his sins.”
✍🏾 A Christian does not have the authority to decide whether to fast or not, because fasting is a commandment from God, given to all Christians as a law.
👉🏾The prophet Joel reminds us that fasting and praying are Christian obligations: “Sanctify a fast and proclaim a congregation” (Joel 2:15).
✍🏾 St. Paul also teaches that we should not give any cause for stumbling in spiritual life or ministry by creating excuses or neglecting God’s commandments.
✍🏾 Let us approach the upcoming Fast of the Prophets with joy, love, and devotion.
Part 4 Continues ...
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.
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