Comments on: Pray, Fast, Think: An Interview with Father John Riccardo

By: fw1952

fw1952 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:14:40 +0000

I very much apreciate the DVD that Father made with the protestant Minister regarding the similarities and differences between the respective beliefs. I use this in my CCD class and have given it to local ministers. However, his response to the last question left me wanting more. Abortion is THE issue for Catholics as it affects so many more issues. The death of an innocent child is a travesty for the mother, the child, and the abortion provider. Souls are in peril and there can be no greater concern to Catholics.

If we can kill a child for our own convenience, what can’t we do to make ourselves comfortable? Certainly adultery is not out of question. And why care about immigrants or the human rights of anyone? As a matter of necessity, we must have open borders if we are killing so many of our future workers. And for those who think abortion doesn’t affect them, how, in the world can we pay Social Security to the elderly if we don’t have workers paying into Social Security? And how dare we echo a concern for minorities if we are willing to abort black children at three times the rate of their proportion in society.

If health care gets too expensive, if can kill our children so we can finish college or hold a job, why would we pay for health care for a 75 yr old who is no longer able to carry his own weight? Because of the acceptance of abortion, it is no wonder why 90% of Downs Syndrome children are aborted.

Abortion affect every important issue in out society, and I hope that Father Riccardo preaches this to all he comes in contact with. I’m sure he does.

By: kirbys

kirbys — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:28:40 +0000

SInce I am pregnant, I am not fasting from food, but from the radio! During an election season–it’s killing me!

More Adoration time–that is such an awesome awesome response!!!

By: Cooky642

Cooky642 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:53:49 +0000

While I agree with David, I also find Patrick’s approach fulfilling. Some of us (like me) are diabetics who simply cannot fast from food. However, having been Catholic since before Vatican II, I know how to do a “personal fast”–i.e., no meat and no “treats” (those little delicacies that put a finishing touch on a meal). Nevertheless, fasting from other amenities can be just as powerful: how about telephoning a person you’d really rather not, watching a friend’s or neighbor’s child (or, elderly parent) when you’d planned on doing something for yourself, or giving up an hour of TV for an hour in Adoration? Choosing genuine self-denial is the key, and it works!

By: MICHAEL

MICHAEL — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:39:31 +0000

Maany in the usa and world will have alot of fasting (forced)the globalists-international bankers are going to put us in a depression to get there new world order…..

By: trailblazer

trailblazer — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:55:55 +0000

Fasting from food is something that happens inside instead of outside, that is, it is something as already pointed out, is with you every moment and, therefore, makes a great and constant reminder of the sacrifice being made. It is really difficult to to say no to the appetite for food; to walk past the sight and smell of food you have learned to enjoy and discipline yourself to avoid taking even a single bite.

There is a rich tradition in all of our history of fasting. Some of the Saints have even suggested it is not possible to hear clearly the voice of the Holy Spirit when we have first satiated ourselves with earthly food. It is painfully obvious that a vast majority of Americans (including myself) do not or previously have not restrained themselves in matters of physical appetite for food let alone so many other areas.

Michael

By: bambushka

bambushka — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:44:25 +0000

P.S. I am a Fr. John Riccardo groupie. He has other amazing teachings on his church’s website, Our Lady of Good Counsel, also,his Sunday homilies and the segment I am so excited about, RCIA for Catholics. These are on my ipod and are very good catechesis.

He is truly a gift from God.

By: Cheryl Dickow

Cheryl Dickow — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:40:03 +0000

I agree with both these excellent responses. There are so many ways to fast in our current age of excesses but I am finding my own spirit recalling the way in which Queen Esther called upon her community to fast (from food) and pray.

With so much at stake in this upcoming election, it seems that if we are able to (without harm to ourselves) fast from food until dinner, on Fridays, we will be able to open our hearts to God’s will for this election and better respond to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we cast our votes.

There seems to be so much “out there” that our emotions are creating a situation in which we may not be listening to the still, small voice but are more concerned with showing how we are right. Only God’s will is right and fasting and praying as a Catholic community will help us discern, collectively, what His will is and not push our own agendas.

By: bambushka

bambushka — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:37:59 +0000

I agree, David, Fasting from anything but food leaves me bewildered. Did I actually offer up the discomfort of not watching TV, or not losing my temper, or spending 10% less?

Hunger keeps you on the edge of prayer. You cannot deny it’s presence. It was what Jesus did to fight the devil and receive the power of the Holy Spirit.

Patrick, Those things that you listed are actually “alms”, which is an action that comes out of fasting. This is a three legged stool. Prayer, Fasting and giving Alms. But giving Alms is not fasting. All three are at the heart of powerful conversion, which we are always called to become (converted) in our journey through this life unto the next.

Pray and fast for this country and her leaders. We are about to be tested.

By: David

David — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:34:10 +0000

Patrick, Your suggestions for an alternate fast are excellent, but they always leave me wanting. Its difficult to get a sense that I have done them well if at all.

I think fasting requires the sacrifice of something that is good rather than the avoidance of something that is a vice and replacing it with something virtuous. Food is good and fills a primal need. To sacrifice this good and offer this for a greater good (God) fulfills an even great primary need, to express our love for God in a tangible way.

Fasting with food is so rooted in scripture and tradition that we should be cautious about finding ways to get around it. Your suggestions are an excellent daily plan for each of us to answer our call to holiness. And yes, I am smiling. God Bless!

By: Patrick

Patrick — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:43:54 +0000

A different approach to fasting

Fasts have a tendency to be oriented towards things like giving up food or television.
But there are many other creative ways we can welcome Jesus’ healing touch.

Here are some suggestions for you to consider:

•Fast from anger and hatred.
Give your family an extra dose of love each day.

•Fasting from judging others.
Before making any judgments, recall how Jesus overlooked our faults.

•Fast from discouragement.
Hold on to Jesus’ promise that he has a perfect plan for your life.

•Fast from complaining.
When you find yourself about to complain, close ypor eyes and recall some of the little moments of joy, Jesus has given you.

•Fast from resentment and bitterness.
Work on forgiving those who may have hurt you.

•Fast from spending too much.
Try to reduce your spending by ten percent (10%) and give those savings to the poor.

Wish you all the Love, Peace and Happiness for the Easter Season

SMILE – Jesus loves you.

PATRICK