Fasting by Fr. Slavko Barbaric

Author:Fr. Slavko Barbaric [Barbaric, Fr. Slavko]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: The Medjugorje Web
Published: 2012-04-19T04:00:00+00:00

WHY FAST ON BREAD AND WATER?

In Međugorje, the Madonna has asked for a return to fasting. In response to the question, "What is the best kind of fast?", the Virgin responded, "Bread and water, of course." We recognize that bread and water is not the only way to fast, but it is the "best" way, according to the Madonna. One has to grow into "bread and water" fasting. If one has never fasted at all, it may be very discouraging to begin to fast on bread and water only, unless one receives a call from the Lord. There are other ways of fasting which will accomplish the same objectives in us and, at the same time, help us to move toward the best fast. For example, self-denial from certain foods, eating foods without seasoning, eating foods we dislike, skipping desserts, and simply eating considerably less at each meal are just a few ways of fasting related to food. The important thing is that we begin to fast in some way now. In Međugorje, however, there is an emphasis on fasting on bread and water, and there is a profound meaning to it.

Bread is the food of the poor. To have or not to have bread is one of the essential questions of our existence.

The Bible often speaks of bread. God provided bread (manna) for His people during their journey across the desert (cf. Ex 16). In His teachings, Jesus speaks of the bread that has come down from Heaven. An angel brought bread and a jar of water to the prophet Elija when he was exhausted from fatigue (cf. 1 Kings 19), and after eating and drinking, Elija regained his strength and continued his journey.

Is it not remarkable, on the other hand, that, according to the Gospel, the poor are closest to Jesus? They ate with him and followed Him and listened to His words. After speaking to a crowd, hungry not only for His words but also for bodily nourishment, Jesus multiplied the loaves (cf. Mk1-9; Mt 15:32-39). By multiplying earthly bread, Jesus prepared the people for the Bread from Heaven.

The willingness to live on water and bread for one day shows a willingness to be poor before God, well-disposed towards His will. It means following in the footsteps of the prophets and in the footsteps of those who have been put to the test in order to give testimony to their faith.

Bread is the basic food of His people and at the same time bread is the symbol of life. Water is also irreplaceable in our life. Water is also a sign of spiritual purification. In these two truths the message is expressed: come back to life and live. Come out of your impurities and be pure. We are invited to live on bread and water two days a week. As the Madonna said, bread and water are the ideal fasting. The person who lives in this way, two days a week, is certainly doing something good to his body, spirit and soul.

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