This is a great article on 'Fasting '
I could not do better !
http://www.catholicregister.org/home/item/13887-fasting-time-for-a-fresh-look
Biblical References for Fasting and what they, that is what God teaches us:
The ultimates of fasting
+ Isaiah Chapter 58 Verse 6 – 8
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
As a sign and means of conversion:
+ 1 Samuel Chapter 7 Verse 6
So they gathered at Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the Lord and fasted on that day and said there, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the people of Israel at Mizpah.
+ 1 Kings Chapter 21 Verse 27
And when Ahab heard those words, he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted and lay in sackcloth, and went about dejectedly.
Fasting is often communal ~ the reason why all the church faith community fasts specifically in Lent. It unites us as a Faith Community.
+ 1 Kings Chapter 21 Verse 11 - 12
And the men of his city, the elders and the nobles who dwelt in his city did as Jezebel had sent word to them. As it was written in the letters which she had sent to them, they proclaimed a fast and set Naboth on high among the people.
+ 2 Chronicles Chapter 3
Then Jehosaphat feared and set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
+ Nehemiah Chapter 9 Verse 1
Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth and with earth upon their heads.
Biblical warnings against improper fasting. Fasting is to bear fruits.
Certainly if fasting from coffee causes you to be grouchy – don’t fast from that !
+ Isaiah Chapter 58 Verse 4
Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high.
+ Gospel of St Matthew Chapter 6 Verses 16 – 18
And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Fasting before a major decision spiritually ( and physically ) inspires you
+ Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 Verse 1 – 2
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch and Saul. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid hands on them and sent them off.
And hey Jesus, Son of God, our Lord did it ….. that’s good reason for me !
+ Gospel of St Matthew Chapter 4 Verse 1 – 2
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And He fasted forty days and forty nights.
