4 Reasons for Fasting

Why do we fast? Fr. Mike explains that it’s not about getting more love and attention from God. Fasting is about self-mastery, discernment, sacrifice, and being a co-redeemer with Jesus. In this video, Fr. Mike dives deeper into these four reasons, helping you make the most of your fasting this Lent.
This video appeared first on ascensionpresents.com
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[@dominikpavelic5339]

Fasting is the most powerful prayer, trust me. Fasting can solve any problem. I knew a girl who struggled bulimia for years. I decided to pray and fast for her every friday eating only little bread and drinking water. She didn't knew that. I prayed for 7 fridays and later she told me she feels much much better. She never vomited since then (3 years already). God healed her totally. Actually, she is my girlfriend and she will never find out how she got better :) I'm not saying this to boast, just to give testimony how great fasting truly is. Sorry for bad English :P

[@monicap3081]

DOMINI SVM That's amazing. I love you. Bulimia is terrible, I only had it for two months and I got so many health problems, even to the point of having to get surgery. You are so brave, God bless you!!!!

[@EdwinAmioBaroi]

Praise the Lord who heals... thank you for sharing your story... Please share it with your girlfriend... I believe she will be inspired and start to pray and fast for others... # your English is very good... don't be sorry for that... Bless you

[@dominikpavelic5339]

Why not? I'm not saying I stopped her, I prayed and God healed her. Jesus said there is a kind of demons that can be cast out only by fasting and prayer, so if fasting can cast out demons, how can it not heal someone? If you don't believe in God, I understand why you think those 2 aren't related, but if you believe, then how come you don't believe God heals. This is not the only thing that got solved by fasting, there are more examples in my life. E.g. my brother lived in sin with his girlfriend and I fasted and prayed. That exact day he sent me a message: he and his girlfriend are going tomorrow on a confession. They live in sin no more. :)

[@FemmeBleu]

Fasting can't solve every problem. A close friend of my family fasted and prayed for me for days when I was extremely ill last year. I made it through but I am still very ill. It seems some people are meant to suffer illness because it is God's will. I am learning to accept this even though I still do everything I can to heal - I won't give up - I know I am supposed to experience this life of pain for some higher spiritual reason.

[@ihs2021]

@@FemmeBleu offer up your sufferings to Our Lord. Our Maker is all good. It is not easy but i salute you for your courage and supernatural hope.

[@eugenecanady5452]

Father Mike, I was 100 pounds overweight and decided to do a 40 Day fast, with Jesus as my role model. I'm currently on Day 27 and while I am doing the fast primarily for health reasons, I find myself focused on my relationship with the Holy Spirit, Christ's time in the desert, and catching up on my Bible in a Year Podcast. Thank you for helping me keep my focus.

[@jennietgalvan7135]

This is one of the reasons I love being Catholic. When I was a protestant I didn't understand so many things about worship and fasting that make so much sense now that I'm Catholic. I think all of the things that Fr. Mike mentions in the video are things I've realized as I've started implementing the discipline of fasting into my life. For a long time I was a slave to my flesh, but once I started fasting I was able to take control in this area. I also want to say that prayer and fasting go together (which is probably a no-brainer). It was my discipline in praying the rosary that I think probably led to the discipline of fasting for me. The Rosary is actually something that has been a big witness for me when I have doubts. Praying the Rosary daily helped me to overcome personal sin in my life, which led to a deeper walk with God, which led to the desire to fast. I'm not perfect by any means and I give all Glory to God for the deliverance I see in my life. I'm so much happier and fulfilled since coming to the Catholic faith and incorporating these disciplines into my life.

[@rosexavier7883]

I agree.

[@dorakapas3825]

Jenniet Galvan Thank you for your testimony!!

[@EdwinAmioBaroi]

Dear Sister, I believe in One God the Father, His only Son Jesus, and His Spirit the Holy Spirit... does that makes me a Catholic or a Protestant... Will I go to a separate Heaven... or the Bible is different for me... Please dont get me wrong... But we focus on the 5% differences we have... I believe in... One Body of Christ... (Ephesians 4:4-16):- "4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." * please read Ephesians 4:2-3...

[@ajturner4152]

That is a very good testimony! Thank you for sharing. I for one am still a protestant, but I like listening to the teachings of Catholics, like Father Mike, because of the rich history that add to my understanding of what it means to follow Christ. I could not become a Catholic because of some of the things that we disagree on, but I cherish the wisdom that I have heard from some in the Catholic church.

[@meadeskelton3350]

Catholicism is a cult. I'm sure there are some who are Christians who happen to be Catholic. But praying to Saints, indulgences, teaching of purgatory, and the idol worship of Mother Mary are all deceptions. The Catholic church has been corrupted throughout the years as well. The new Pope is very misguided.

[@stevensonsaldo3574]

4 reasons for fasting: 1. Self mastering 2. Discernment or obedience 3. Sacrifice 4. To become a co - redeemer of Christ

[@daisyciocon9236]

Thank You

[@Morningstar-xz5bl]

Number 4 is the best for me

[@alextrapnell9120]

Co redeemer with* Jesus... not of Jesus

[@DarkAngel-cj6sx]

Thanks

[@kakossniper]

During this video I was eating these fruit strips. I knew I already had enough but I thought, "let me grab one more." Then, it hit me, I'm not doing what I wanted, I was a slave to that food! Look how tricky the devil is, tempting me to eat while watching a video on fasting. Stand firm everyone, stay aware of your actions!

[@theresetohtsoni7536]

The devil can sneak in and take the power of good deeds. Just like Fr said, don't boast about fasting, don't think about weight loss, or don't think about how much more God will love you, because fasting will lose its sacrificial worship and offering. The devil knows how to dissolve soul saving sacrifices. Be vigilant, pray and fast in private.

[@jainabponnudorai4108]

@Therese Tohtsoni b

[@juliathomas271]

LOL...sounds like something I would do and see midstream! Way to catch yourself!

[@patriciahudlin4330]

The devil preys on our weaknesses.

[@manyfeather2knives423]

It wasn’t the devil. It was the sugar put in your food ( by the devil food industry)

[@GlowinginGlory]

I snooze my alarm for a whole hour I have the biggest struggle getting up right away like it’s so hard!! I’ve been asking God what I need to fast on and i think he just answered my prayer 🥺🙌🏼

[@niseypisey50mcdonald50]

Yessss I love it when God answers us in the most peculiar but VIVID way

[@juliathomas271]

Yay! You go!

[@Morningstar-xz5bl]

Me too, I’m terrible at getting up in the morning

[@taraelizabethdensley9475]

I loathe getting up in the morning, have to set my alarm an hour BEFORE I actually plan to get up, so I feel like I didn't up late

[@cabscabs5785]

I used to fast for my physical health but now I do it to get closer to GOD..thank you for this father!

[@pastormichaeltodd6546]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with a motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on [phone]) tell him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit saith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you...

[@briankelly85]

I have never been more at peace with God than when I fast...

[@nicoleishak5148]

True ❤️

[@straightedgerick]

@@paolojelacic7884 you hunger for God and feel more connected.

[@Pro1938ftc3ch]

@@straightedgerick how many days did it take for you to feel God?

[@straightedgerick]

@@Pro1938ftc3ch I’m orthodox, we fast on Wednesday and Friday. The way to look at it is, god gives you everything you need and fasting shows humility and piety. You feel closer to Christ. I’m not very good at explaining it, sorry.

[@Pro1938ftc3ch]

@@straightedgerick I'm starting on day 2 of fasting I'm trying to go for 30 days of fasting hopefully I can make it

[@rosaleenkelly4539]

I have a really bad problem with food. I eat too much, I misuse it, I abuse it. I need help. I need to eat 3 abstainant meals 5 days a week and fast 2 days a week Wednesday and Friday (soup and water). My body is fat. There is much disorder. I Love my Lord Jesus. Please pray for me to be able to do this.

[@jacobhoyt766]

Good video. I'm a non Catholic Christian and I love most of your videos. You speak with so much love and I realized that I really didn't understand Catholic doctrine , I thought it was all pagan but in reality there are good reasons for the doctrine. May God bless you and keep you in Jesus name

[@puzz88]

I'm crying, thanks brother for your generous compliment to the Catholic faith ❤️🙏I personally am so inspired and often convicted by the love for God, for other people, and desire to evangelize that I see so often in non Catholic Christians. I hope we can all achieve unity in our hearts. Man youre awesome I'm so uplifted by your comment loool. God bless!!

[@jaqian]

Catholics are Christians

[@aknmo541]

How lovely of you, @Jacob Hoyt Bless you.

[@cherylmoss3632]

@@puzz88bible often says. "When we fasted He heard "

[@gracesamita]

I’m trying to let go of worry and anxiety, I’m gnh start fasting so I can learn to let go of control and Listen to god more. Thank you father mike! God bless you

[@rjam24]

The snooze button got me. I am so guilty of this. I hope I can persevere this Lent and will be able to stop this bad habit. Thanks Father Mike.

[@miriamgiordano5018]

Thank you Father, I've been struggling soo much, beating myself for not being able to fast, convincing myself that my lack of fasting will change Gods opinion of me, but this for me is a reminder that fasting has a much deeper purpose in my life. And Gods opinion of me will never ever change. It made me realise as well that I'm struggling with my fasting because of the reasons why I'm fasting, for perfection. Anyway, thank you Father and God bless you for all you are doing. 😊🙏

[@tammyvo8880]

Dear Father, I love how you delivered such a beautiful and valuable message through your sense of humors.🙏😊

[@debbie2027]

I fast outside of the two obligatory days, to support my prayers

[@TimelessjewelbyDebra]

I would love to see a video about the importance of praying at an adoration chapel.I use to cover 2am to 3am,it was my favorite thing.

[@ELPChristineHarrington]

Father....Now I'm going to have to get up when my alarm goes off so I don't have alarm guilt! LOL! Loved the video..and when my alarm goes off tomorrow morning, I'll say a prayer as I get up for the poor souls in purgatory. Beautiful!

[@ELPChristineHarrington]

+rachel hutchinson Hey...Rachel...use any trick to get you up and going! I did think this morning...UGH..anything but Alarm Guilt! LOL!

[@chiratidzofmasawi8234]

Eternal Life Plan I will join you you ..., been praying more for Holy Souls in purgatory this year.

[@amandat7899]

Why do you call him that there is only one Father and he is in heaven

[@vibrantmontefalcon354]

@@amandat7899 then why do you call your biological father a father?

[@olivetaelizabeth]

I shall join you too, souls in Purgatory need our prayer and sacrifice to be cleansed so that they can enter the gates of Heaven...let's unite our sacrifice to the Cross of Jesus...we love you Jesus, please never cause us to be separated from you.

[@katherynehit5037]

Hi everyone, I am fasting now, it’s my second day. Please send some positivity.

[@pastormichaeltodd6546]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with a motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on [phone]) tell him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit saith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you. ...

[@loiscarrillo4058]

Google Queen of Peace and listen to fasting

[@irene_c-s]

Amen❣️ Thank you so much Fr. Mike and Ascension. My continued prayers for all of you, God Bless. 🙏🏻

[@flyesouisi]

I have biological problems with fasting from food. So My fast is to drink nothing but water except on Sundays. And I fast as a gift to Mother Mary. I feel in my heart she accepts it.

[@vallisekaran4051]

Dont pray to mary..she was human.emulate her piety and obedience.pray to trinity only!

[@elainemcdonald1463]

Valli Sekaran of course we should pray to Mary, She is the mother of Jesus and brought him into our world, she is the mother of all

[@maryweisenbacher1034]

@@vallisekaran4051 don't tell us what to do

[@paf9533]

Me too...i learned that from a nun j follow on YT, fasting goes well with praying the rosary 🧡🙏

[@wangking4259]

I recommended you do not make false idols, even out of Mary. She is not God. She is not God the Father, God the Son, or the Holy Spirit. I think it would be fair to thank her for living a life worthy of conceiving Christ and protecting him, but prayers are for God. I thought Jesus loves us, so why would he need his human mother to intervene on our behalf?

[@coachchris548]

Pray for the return of the communion rails in our Churches

[@FigaroHey]

Fast for the return of communion rails in our churches? Hmmm.... you've got me thinking...

[@clavelchibuye6475]

This is one of the best moments in the Catholic calendar.proud Catholic.

[@jrippee05]

Praise the Lord!

[@marcia1777]

Not hitting the Snooze button really hit home! Will start in am!

[@jonathanclemmons501]

I am a protestant charasmatic Christian and I love these videos. Very good stuff

[@paxdomini1635]

Consider becoming Catholic. Another great Catholic channel is Sensus Fidelium--many great priests and talks.

[@FigaroHey]

Stop protesting the truth...

[@MegaAlhaqiqa]

My happiest days have been the ones I fasted most! You empty yourself of yourself and so Jesus takes over the space. Also I fast when I ask God for certain things my family needs. It takes strength in the beginning but once you get used to it, it gets easier..

[@jbustop]

I love being Catholic, when I was in Germany I called home on Sunday, when I did I could discuss the days Gospel reading, it’s the same in EVERY Catholic Church, other religions like Baptist preachers pick out any reading they want, and give THEIR meaning, Catholic Priest are telling you the Truth as learned while they studied in the Seminary🙏

[@karenhumphrey6094]

I am so glad I stumbled in to you and Bishop Robert Barron! I am a cradle Catholic who had terrible religious education,. My parents sent me to CCE/Sunday school assuming I was getting religious education, but by the time I was in Jr. High I was getting lessons on everything but religion. As an adult (68 yrs. old) I have always know a lot was missing and I stunned my parents when they found out how little I was taught. I did't realize as a kid I needed to tell them I was learning about football, current events etc. I thought that was what I was supposed to be getting,. I stumbled across the two of you durning COVID and WOW I have learned so much. I have had questions answered and now I have lots more! This has been such a great experience. Thank you!!!!!

[@laurac5451]

I'm fasting for self mastery for health and I'm open to spiritual awakening. I prayed that my husband in heaven would no it's healthy and I'm working on being better than what I am now.

[@AMoniqueOcampo]

The Heroic Minute Challenge is my Lenten resolution!

[@annebaron6003]

+Monique Ocampo Mine is too! Helping Jesus save souls by giving up the snooze button is such a cool thing.

[@amandamiller8189]

+Anne Baron oh ya! Same here! :)

[@deliamartinez2517]

Thank you Father Mike for your video on fasting. I don't fast, but I want to try to fast at least for 8 hours in the day. God bless you.

[@nenitamedrano5164]

Fasting and prayers for my sons 4 - for their souls ❤

[@sontwo3948]

Whenever I get myself to fast I can feel that I am both 'WRESTLING WITH' and 'RESTING IN' my faith. Moments of suffering, moments of temptation, moments of being glad...knowing it is the right way to go. It is not easy to 'jump start' myself, but the logic and spiritual insight of Father Mike is so helpful. Thanks !

[@DESERT_DISCIPLE]

Wow...I really appreciate your post. Thank you 🕊

[@mordechaimordechai]

i try to set incredibly high penance and fasting goals, then fail, then feel miserable, then offer up the fact of feeling miserable for the conversion of souls. It's a win for everybody.

[@samoinborut1339]

Thank you father. May Lord bless and protect you. Greetings from Europe.

[@xavierlee3388]

The way he talks remind people of a good father.There should be more people like him

[@fireside007]

aaaa Father . . . YOU ~ ROCK ! !

[@puzz88]

Revisiting this video today and it got me thinking. There was a time after I first watched this video when it was posted that I incorporated the heroic minute into my daily morning routine. Wake up on the first alarm as a form of sacrifice and obedience. Then after a while, my dedication to this practice started to wane and I began feeling guilt for not following through, day after day, leading me to continually start off my day feeling like I've already done wrong. A lie of the evil one of course, bc as I watch this back, it never occurred to me that if its negatively affecting my relationship with God, maybe I should just not fast (or do the heroic minute), like Fr. Mike says at 0:37. OK lol but moreover, revisiting this made me think 'why did I feel guilty?' [Internal dialogue:] 'Because the missed opportunity to do good.' 'If a missed opportunity can make you feel so guilty, what about a sin itself?? Directly doing harm--how much guilt that should then lead to contrition should u be feeling for that??' Anyways, your video helped me to re-orient my perception of my sins, as I can often brush them off like 'its not that big of a deal', but it is, so thank you. I hope this comment doesn't lead people to feel guilty, but to always repent and rejoice! 🙏🙏🙏❤️Praise God!!!!

[@Star10864]

I can't LIKE this video enough. LOVE IT. thank you!

[@ValentinBoyanov]

Father, be blessed !

[@aletheia25]

Bravo Father Mike!

[@augustlaurence]

St. Josemaria Escriva, pray for us!

[@janettemcgregor5712]

Hannah Butler - st. who?

[@jaqian]

@@janettemcgregor5712 Saint Josemaría Escrivá en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josemar%C3%ADa_Escriv%C3%A1

[@dariosimone2383]

@@janettemcgregor5712 A new one

[@Mechy2003]

thank you Fr. Mike

[@DS-st7xj]

Really needed to hear this today. Thank you Fr Mike 🙏😊

[@ThatCatholicNurse]

Wow. Thank You Jesus!!

[@davidvo9849]

Thank you Father Mike!

[@moniuxmoniux]

Great advice, thank you Father Mike!!!

[@kayemcalimoso1614]

On point Father Mike!

[@maryannspare3168]

Wow, beautiful....thank you Father Mike.

[@CGP21178]

Pray for me Father to do this as Our Blessed Mother in Fatima asked us to do for Spiritual Healing and for other graces from God in Heaven.

[@fredjohn9722]

Hello Carmen... How are you doing today.... And I hope you do stay safe due to the pandemic over there.?

[@belindasnyder7837]

Thank you Father.

[@vergievergie8761]

Thanks Fr Mike

[@michaelshue5283]

Thank you Father Mike!!

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

I need this so much, for all the reasons stated.

[@nikonxxx]

thank you

[@tundeviz-poor5845]

Thank you! It’s was just for me! Göd Bless You, Father!

[@nicobeing]

POWERFUL! Thank you Fr. Mike!

[@Victoria-bp9ok]

Thank you for that wonderful message! Grace and Peace to you, father.

[@WatchersfortheSonofMan]

Thank you, beloved Father. I am pushing a daily black fast until 3pm until Easter. When i get "hangry" i ease off but oddly i feel fine most of the fast perhaps because i am doing it for a certain sibling's salvation and for the pope. Praying the scriptures,the complete divine office, and showing more mercy helps round it off. Challenging but so far seems doable. Old school...

[@jadealexander8233]

God bless you Fr. Smith

[@user-dr4ef8st7w]

Thank you father for your wisdom 🙏🏽

[@littlejohn123]

Eye opener

[@danielguns3300]

3 days of no food, no electricity other than light for reading scriptures and writing about them, and no pornography (I’m addicted). That’s what I’ll do starting today at midnight.

[@habtezgibariamichael5809]

thank you Father

[@l.hutsonspe1007]

Thank you so much for reminding us of this. These points are truly profound. I watched this twice.

[@keishacarter1259]

Thank You 💖

[@CDM1234]

Wow I have never heard it explained in this way! Thank you so much🙏🙏🙏🕊

[@michellehansen8938]

Thank you

[@pjmorales75]

I love fasting and praying!!!

[@kvu6034]

You are amazing father Mike.

[@lizzyjesus.9738]

Thank you so much Fr Mike for the awesome video

[@amandafsampaio7223]

AWESOME video!!!! thank you so much, Father! May God bless you and Our Lady protect you!

[@teznejensel9099]

Thank you Pastor much appreciated!

[@jithinjohn3504]

Thank you Fr.Mike for this inspirational reflection

[@jojoelicha]

God bless you Father Mike. Thank you.

[@brendantheodore6919]

Thank you Father Mike, this brief video has been enlightening and helpful.

[@lisah6894]

Love this! Great inspiration to continue my fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays for our Blessed Mother's intentions and for healing and conversion in my family!

[@fredjohn9722]

Hello Lisa.... How are you doing today.... And I hope you do stay safe due to the pandemic over there.?

[@lisamclaren4588]

Thank you! This gives new meaning to pain

[@thomasjust2663]

This past good Friday was my first fast, thanks to your video.... thanks

[@californiamom4913]

Thanks Father Mike 😊

[@sonia_dacosta13]

Amen Fr Mike. I loved watching this video..Makes so much sense how you explain it.

[@mrnmrn1628]

Beautifully explained, Fr. Mike! God bless you.

[@tannert1238]

I love this video thank you Father💒

[@rosamendoza6755]

God bless you

[@martisatrujillo4574]

Thank You Fr. Mike- Dios lo guarde!!! We pray for you.

[@helenatan1030]

Thank you Father ! God bless you ♥️🙏✨

[@saint4star]

Thank you Padre. You opened my eyes to a new view on fasting. I’ll share this with my family and friends here in Trinidad and Tobago

[@jessicabalzer45]

I really like your videos, they really mean a lot for me:) god bless you

[@Georgian1717]

Thank you Father. God bless you.

[@fortunesorofa9466]

Thank you very much Father, God bless you.

[@mommyadventures]

Another impactful video!! I also gave up the snooze button. Instead of sleeping in or mindless scrolling online, I start my day with dynamic Catholic and fr. Mike videos.

[@janvincentvillalon1538]

Thank you for this.

[@jeanetteghioto78]

This really helped with my Bread and water fasting

[@patodwyer721]

Thank you Fr.Mike for your Wisdom and Guidance

[@tankthefrank100]

Thank you father John hamm

[@organicmonica]

Such a convincing argument to make me stop hitting that snooze button! :) Thanks for the practical advice, Fr. Mike!

[@remowilliams7569]

Wonderful discourse Fr. Mike. Very illuminating.

[@lupegladu604]

This was great! It helped to reinforce fasting for me.

[@kathleenmcleary7780]

Loved this talk,thank you

[@jessiska2468]

Im currently in intermittent fasting. I believe it gives me more energy and I believe I can clearly think and I am spiritually closer to God. It feels so good and wanting it everyday that becomes a habit

[@insanemainstream3633]

Awesome Jess! What a great habit to have :)

[@happyhour1517]

Father Mike you are inspiring! So happy I came across you. I love being Catholic and you make me love it more. Thank you for teaching us more about our faith.