The Spiritual Reason for Fasting

“Fasting is when we’re a little bit OK with emptiness,” says Fr. Emmanuel, then we let God fill that emptiness. The saints often talk about the power fasting has to bring us closer to God. Fr. Mark-Mary says while it may be quite tough while in the middle of it, when we look back we notice that-honestly-it’s not that bad. Fr. Emmanuel and Fr. Mark-Mary challenge you to fast for four hours, just say “no” to that snack, and let God fill in the emptiness.
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[@ianmackenzie686]

There's no sweeter taste than self-discipline. Praise God!

[@queenkellidroughn]

Thank you so much for this. I really needed it today. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH

[@angelafoster5071]

I am suffering much in life right now because I am not disciplined. I started fasting on bread water and some coffee this week. I pray that Christ will purify me through fasting, take it as penance and hopefully mould me to be better. Thank you for your quite Ian. I needed to hear it. God bless.

[@ianmackenzie686]

@@angelafoster5071 Also find yourself a spiritual counselor like a priest. He'll help.

[@gandolfidentifiesaswhitewi8493]

I started fasting 16-8 for health reasons. Now I fast once a week for God for 24 hrs

[@terfagen]

I am beginning my fast tomorrow and will continue for 12 weeks. Lord, help me to overcome doubt and fear that I may endure through this journey, for it is you that I wish to please. It is you who is above all. Amen.

[@tsubasakabuki3715]

woah, how did you do?

[@semyaza555]

@@tsubasakabuki3715I’m curious too.

[@ginakendrick2581]

I’m trying every wed and Friday. I’m 62. I’m healthy but I never could eat without as I have a problem with hyperglycemia. So I eat eggs in am and then today example.. had only enough lunch to keep from being sick so I had a carrot and dinner small cup soup and bread and a few apple pieces. I got really really hungry and kinda dizzy around 4 but I prayed and made it. It felt kinda good to feel hunger pains because I kept thinking about how poor people who are starving would have felt. Thankyou this video inspired me. I’ll keep my wed and Friday as minimal as I could. It’s no fun to be sick and not even be able to read or drive and I don’t think God would want me to just sit in a chair and not take care of my duties.

[@eileen1820]

Is it Divine intervention that this video notification shows up just when I'm eating Panda Express 🐼 for lunch lol?!

[@AndreaWanting]

Well an hour later you will be hungry, so... ;)

[@FishersOfMen57]

YES IT IS!!! READ the fortune cookie, it will give you confirmation lol

[@mysticladyrachel]

I'm in the middle of a pretty big fast (for me) and I needed this. Thanks guys.

[@jumopeter4443]

Same here! I normally follow a plan with my fasts but today i was just fasting in emptiness. I was getting aittle anxious as the day went on and so i began searching for material to reinforce my fast with on the internet. Then i came across this video 😇. At the moment where he says God filled the emptiness, i felt God filling my soul with purpose. To say yes, you fasted and you created space for God, and allowed Him be in and with you. I am eternally grateful for this video. God bless

[@nariko47]

Fr. Mark-Mary you need your own channel 😊🙏🏼

[@effiewilson8164]

Please, pray my husband and I quit smoking. Thanks

[@AeonAxisProductions]

i couldnt quit a couple months ago, but back in january i switched to vaping and made the decision to ween off nicotine over time, but i started with regular juice and it did nothing for me so i relapsed back to smoking, but then i decided to go to my local vape shop to ask about it, and they suggested that i try something called salt nicotine, basically its a different kind of nicotine than regular e juice and its more similar to cigarettes in the feeling it gives you (which is whats in a juul btw) and i got a refillable pod system (smok novo to be specific) and i started at 50 mg of nicotine (or 5% nicotine per volume) and im happy to say im down to 18 now, i just hope that i can push through these last few months to get down to 0, but yeah if you wanna stop smoking and cant i suggest trying a refillable salt nic system, i suggest the smok novo if youre interested

[@tammygeorge2061]

Ask your doctor about wellbutrin. Ive been struggling also and this has helped me. Prayers💜

[@mattsagen1497]

Father God I pray this woman and her husaband can be heeled and brought to you and away from these bad habits in Jesus name I pray amen

[@sherylaguilon7407]

Wow, that space inside. I need that much because ive been praying for a long time but i cannot hear His voice but I sense mama mary keep whispering me everytime ive been praying rosary is to FAST.

[@Dr_Analise]

Fr Emmanuel is so amazing when he talks ... some thing in my heart smiles and gladdens !!! wow..

[@SC047074]

As I was walking home tonight, I decided I would not eat at nightime anymore. I knew it would be hard because that is my favorite time to eat. I asked my Guardian Angel to send me reminders and encouragement. Later this night as I looked for reasons to cave in and eat.. this video pops up.

[@SC047074]

AND and and and... video pops up of Father Mike S telling the story of when he went to Confession and the priest only gave him one Hail Mary for penance because he himself was going to fast for Fr M’s sins. I love my guardian angel. Thank you Easta-Bunny! 🍫 🍬 🥚

[@SalveRegina8]

“I give you the weapon against your Goliath. Here, are your five stones:” 1. Prayer with the heart: Rosary 2. Eucharist 3. Holy Bible 4. FASTING 5. Monthly confession (Prayer & fasting go hand in hand). Love seeing Our Lady right behind you, Fr. Emmanuel! Thank you for this video. ❤️🙏❤️

[@dianawilde417]

I'm in Medjugorje right now and fasting! It's not that hard and Our Lady assures us fasting is so powerful that it can stop wars!!

[@SalveRegina8]

Diana Wildheart yes, combined with the Rosary!!! Have a very blessed pilgrimage!!!

[@garymccann5079]

@@dianawilde417 Hail Mary Full of Grace The Lord is with thee, Blessed are you among women and Blessed is The Fruit of Thy Womb Jesus , Holy Mary Mother of God Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen ,Thank You Our Lady .God Bless Diana.

[@SalveRegina8]

Megan Greene amen sista!!!

[@dianawilde417]

@@garymccann5079 thank you! xo

[@eileen1820]

SO true about our indulgent culture and how "binge watching" has become a good thing. This is a wonderfully insightful perspective and definitely food for thought (see what I did there 😁?)

[@flyesouisi]

Some years ago I felt moved by love of the Blessed Mother to offer her something; some gift. Since then I have been giving her a fast of no beverage but water from Monday to Saturday. I just fell blessed to be able to offer my loving mother something. But it is more a joy than any discomfort. Never knew that fasting could be done with joy.

[@annabellecinco2195]

Thank you for this video. From the Philippines.🇵🇭

[@maryjaneadams2914]

I love you guys! I promise a 4 hour fast from the internet tomorrow, offering it up for your special intentions!

[@iadenicole931]

Love this channel. It always inspires me and humbles me. God bless you both. We need good men like you to help save this fallen world.

[@solovief]

I like the idea of a little emptiness inside. Great video!

[@tesschavit3009]

Thank you fathers, God bless

[@dorisodonnell2948]

Thank you both for being real. Thanks for helping us understand and walking with us. God bless

[@YahuahsRefiner]

This was the most fulfilling explanation , for me and my heart. Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@CatholicSaintslayIncorrupt]

This is excellent. As it teaches the height and breadth of fasting in many true life ways walking with God.

[@creativeinspirations8200]

😊 "chipotle"... listening Thank you! We don't have to be perfect.

[@dumboxthomas6758]

Haha, Brother Emmanuel jamming out to music and watching tv....I forget sometime that you guys were just normal people at one point (as opposed to people called called to the Preisthood/Consecrated vocation). And I loved the quote around 0:23 "If you don't preach about things you're living that well, you won't preach much at all." Was so excited to see you have uploaded another video! It is real food for a weary soul. Thank you so much Brothers! : )

[@ebelfam5]

Enjoyed hearing from Fr. Emmanuel!

[@ulfolfuss]

God bless the both of you beyond all imagination. As I make my journey to full communion with the Catholic Church, this channel and the both of you have provided comfort and inspiration. Almost like you're walking with me.

[@Bicicletasaladas]

Hope we have the joy of welcoming you soon!

[@lolitarazo]

Let's follow the call of God on do fasting... thank you for the invitation.... God will help us! 💓 Modo Peregrino ON. We love you and pray for you to God everyday Father Emmanuel and Father Mark Mary!

[@theresemartin3075]

"Our heart is restless until it rests in You". Yes!! it's hard but we need to fast from distractions to feel and hear Our Lord...thank you for this! Pray the Rosary for Our Holy Pope and Priests!,🌹

[@perlaguerrero1127]

Fasting, but I'm diabetic. Please keep me in your prayers and I shall keep you in mine💙

[@nyakanyasko]

I loved what he said about how fasting makes room for God. I need to ponder that. I have a lot of trouble fasting from food... Not sure why. I tried the thing of only bread and water for a day and failed miserably every time. I've tried other food fasts and usually break by noon. So I have to fast from little things. Sometimes I don't wear earrings for a while as a fast, or I fast from listening to music, or from KZbin... Maybe I'm just a wimp or maybe the Lord doesn't want me to fast from food right now. I don't know!

[@angelalongoria360]

Jessica Barton ask the Holy Spirit to help you .:-)

[@afro599]

God bless and protect you from everything evil!

[@sarahbencken4318]

Don’t doubt the reality of spiritual warfare. Demons and satan can plant thoughts and temptations in our minds. They will try to break us and lead us away from what we promise God. Keeping that in mind will help because it will force you to pray since God is the only one who can make them go away. Any time you have a temptation or feel weakness, you can rebuke it in the name of Jesus Christ, and pray to God to keep feeding you with His grace and strength.

[@juanis8219]

I need to work on this. One of my biggest struggles right now is battling food addiction and binge eating. I’ve been trying to manage this for YEARS but I fail and fail. I can honestly say I’ve tried and failed to start a healthy diet hundreds of times. It’s a daily struggle. Every single morning I wake up with the intention of eating healthy foods in a healthy amount and every night I go to sleep full of regret and anger at myself for failing. I hope I can overcome this soon. If anyone had any tips or suggestions they’d be very appreciated.

[@alexdelszsen9648]

I don't pray at meals. I still forget most of the time. I think that doing so will help order my eating. Right now, at Advent, I have given up sweets, and am eating well and stopping eating on some days, but not consistently. I can't yet get back to the months I successfully interval fasted, but I am praying for aid, in this stepped up prayer and meditation season of Advent. I love listening to Father Mark Mary saying Poco a Poco, Little by Little, Somos Pergrinos (We are pilgrims), Vamos a Llegar (Let's Go!) God bless us, everyone!

[@sarahbencken4318]

You have to pray my dear. Beg God to give you the strength and grace to overcome. Look at homeless and poor people. Imagine their pain and hunger. It will help you. But mostly, pray and give to the needy. You can do it. Fast on bread and water.

[@sarahbencken4318]

God bless you as well! Yes, pray before and after every meal, snack and drink. It will help to recognize that we are not entitled to anything, that everything is a gift from God and we should give thanks at every opportunity. He is all powerful and He could take away anything of ours in an instant, at will, even our life. So we need to give thanks for what we have. Take less and give more. 🤗

[@phazoneatermetroid77]

Im in a really dark point in my life. I have abandoned my faith... im desperate. I hope i can get back on track. Thanks for the video.

[@ericl29]

Yeah.. always good to see Fr Emmanuel and NET alumni.

[@heathsavage4852]

I love meat, and I love cooking it, so it is a big deal to fast from meat for me. I am also a snacker, and I have stopped this practice. So, my Lenten fast is vegetarian - with only very little fish to break that up. I have been making lots of vegetable soups, eating very simple meals of bread and soup with some cheese, maybe. I have also fasted from social media, which is super-cleansing. Watching vids like this are so much more "filling" than anything I can consume. I am praying to be released from a propensity towards sensuality with food - and, yes, gluttony, for I eat just for pleasure. Thanks for this, Fathers. Great work.

[@dinasanchezharo1819]

Thanks, fathers.....so helpful

[@linlin-yx7cy]

I was just eating purely out of boredom when this video showed up. Thank you very much! For the timing and your words🌅

[@YusefYandron]

This hit hard

[@urbansaints]

amazing amazing sharing Fr Emmanuel and Fr Mark... thank you so much...very inspiring.

[@solovief]

He nailed it with Chipotle.

[@OMurchadha]

Such a simple and brilliant way to think about fasting, one which I had never quite had; thank you, Father. I'd always thought of fasting in another way: a sacrifice for God as He sacrificed for us. That's a wonderful reason to do it. But this, allowing a space for God; not settling for God to fill just the spaces that are empty already, but making another empty space! Beautiful.

[@jackyohmmewapulatauyawalke8257]

First look at you... immense joy. Thank you for your beauty with love EVERLASTING. MMEWAPULA

[@jenksbaitandtackle4866]

Thank you for this video. I actually have been praying so that I understand the point of fasting.

[@meta4zs]

So you realize or think there might be a different reason for fasting?

[@kristenwisener7067]

Thank you for making this video. I have been fasting a lot and I got a little scared for my body. Readings of the saints always help. It is nice to know we are going through this together for our faith. Love From the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thank you brothers.

[@billdavidson3519]

Thank you Fr. Emmanuel. I never liked or wanted to fast, but lately I been reconsidering it for some reason. I don't like to deny myself, at the honest most basic level, but I also thought why would I purposely seek pain or lack? Pain, or lack, is part of life and it will come naturally enough; I don't need to manufacture it. But your explanation makes more sense than the only reason I could come up to do it, which was some general idea of self-discipline being helpful down the road. But making room for God seems a real reason, an active act of relationship. And of course, as you pointed out, Our Lord fasted, so to be like him I should to.

[@billymccaughey3741]

Beautiful talk. Less is more. Love one, love all.

[@JesusLovesYou200]

Amen praise god

[@lindaruss3772]

Allows space for God! That is where I so want to be! Thx for the talk, God bless you.

[@JavierBonillaC]

This is so wise. I’m going to come back to this video over and over. I liked the tasting part but I liked even more the anecdote about the cell with the hard chair and tiny desk. I don’t believe in one specific God because the one you worship is almost random depending of where you were born. Still I do feel a sense of eternity in which we share and you get there through renunciation as well as devotion to a few good things and activities.

[@greylynnjr]

Fasting right now. Just showed this video to my wife. 2nd time I watched today. Thankyou

[@mikkis668]

Thanks, this was good. Practical wisdom.

[@tesschavit3009]

Amen, wonderful message

[@edithmunuve7733]

Love this. Fasting is leaving a little space for God 💕

[@Crocco1998]

Fr. Mark Mary's videos are like finding a beautiful gem. When Fr. Emmanuel is in the video it make the video a rare gem of beauty. Thanks for the wonderful insight. God bless.

[@helenrichmond611]

God bless you brothers,May God gives you the strength faith and hope in your life

[@maggiemae8041]

Thank U BOTH... God Bless U always

[@the_paper_trail_with_makira]

Thank you! Great message. 🙏

[@marciecowan172]

Thanks for this! Tomorrow We are going on a mission trip from SW MN to New Orleans. A couple of weeks ago I have encouraged our group to fast. I have given up popcorn. This is really hard for me! But I know how much I will benefit from this sacrifice. I don’t know if anyone else has fasted? I hope so. Please pray for us as we go, serve, and love! #CHWC

[@TheXone7]

lovely!!!

[@robonymous4620]

That was excellent, thank you and thanks be to God!!

[@mrkaduva3865]

Love this ❤️❤️

[@gijugeorge9388]

Beautiful words and definitely needed in our time. Thank you!

[@KittyM-]

Thank you so much. I struggle even with short fasts. God bless you all.

[@mikeolsen6814]

fasting was the only solution to All my problems in my life

[@veraborsa-valadez5945]

I fast many times a week 24 hrs. I got used to. Few time on the month I fast 48 hrs, I could not finish 72 hrs fasting because my blood pressure went up and I think for the lack of potassium. I got potassium in tablet and after the week of the 4th July I will try again. Next week I am doing the 48 again. Gets easier with time. Jesus helps me. But I still think on food to often. I live to cook. May God help me. 😞

[@honestguide4552]

Nice philosophy. A space . A space for God . But i think its very important that one is happy while fasting , and not forcing oneself just for the sake of it.

[@WashingtonDC99]

HAHAHA LOL I love chipotle. I tried to do fasting but, I have failed over, and over, sometimes I can go without eating for six hours....I drink a couple glasses of water. Thank you so much, and God bless you.

[@truckmetal13]

Thank you

[@bluephoenix226]

This was good.

[@opencurtin]

Great videos friars thanks for the inspiration..

[@gibben3479]

love your content !

[@mk9382]

Such nice energy. Thank you guys ❤️❤️ much love

[@jenntaa]

thank you for this x Amen x

[@BumblebeeAdventure]

🐝Thanks for the great video 🌻

[@theclapaolini4322]

In Heaven you will know how much you did to save a soul. This is always awesome.yes l am having a4 much better LENT as a result of your videos .Mucha gracias!

[@annaholley2885]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@mayettesommer4143]

Best explanation of fasting. Thank you! God bless.

[@powerliftingcentaur]

I just binge watched a 22 episode TV series, ROME. This short meditation makes me wonder, Why? It was one of the bloodiest, most vicious things I ever saw. I realize: Never Again (hopefully). Always enjoy seeing and hearing from the two of you.

[@alexdelszsen9648]

I recently watched this very quickly as well. For me, it was a good thing. I thought that it was a good meditation on the ugliness at the Vatican and of the crime families, whose efforts were so small and futile. It made me pray for the city of Rome.

[@jeevandsilva]

Really good video fathers. It really tells about what fasting is and why should we fast

[@martinmartin1363]

Try the keto diet , and use fasting time for prayer or contemplation on the bible which is Catholic meditation

[@abounaaboucharoldtown1743]

totally resharing this...

[@adorablebelle]

Thank you for this helpful reflection.

[@KittyM-]

This is lovely. Thank you. God bless you

[@umamanuale4942]

Thank you, this really opened my eyes

[@josephjackson1956]

Jesus' food was often doing the Will of The Father. When we fast, we should do the Will of The Father so He can feed us through doing His Holy Will.

[@LostArchivist]

Fastin can be hard, but it.gets at wounds in the soul that other practices often do not.

[@terijohnson3110]

I am trying to be more disciplined about fasting but oh how I can relate to your examples!😊 God bless you both and ty for this video!

[@JIOISIEPIHI]

hahaha im fat,and it might be hard for me to fast....great talk though.I need to try it!

[@simatic369]

People with excess fat can actually fast for a very long time....sometimes for hundreds of days... Your body can run off of fat

[@rosamendoza6755]

Padre Dios los bendiga siempre. Necesitamos más vídeos del fasting también en Español . Please please Padrecito . Podría hablar del fasting de la ropa fasting de shopping , fasting de dormir en el suelo , fasting de no hablar . Fasting etc please

[@raymccarthy1582]

I'm Ketogentic and don"t have these issues anymore.

[@letriciabrowder2942]

I want this life so badly. I desire only God and I deeply regret not answering yes to my vocation sooner

[@acatholiclife]

So many people do not understand Catholic fasting and/or abstinence. That's why I studied it for over 4 years (and counting) and wrote "The Definitive Guide to Catholic Fasting and Abstinence." If anyone wants THE book on Catholic fasting, please seek it out. Fasting: Fasting refers to how much food we eat. It means taking only one meal during a calendar day. The meal should be an average-sized meal as overeating at the one meal is against the spirit of the fast. Fasting generally means that the meal is to be taken later in the day. Along with the one meal, up to two snacks (technically called either a collation or frustulum) are permitted. These are optional, not required. Added up together, they may not equal the size of the one meal. No other snacking throughout the day is permitted. Fasting does not affect liquids, aside from the Eucharistic Fast which is a separate matter. Abstinence: Abstinence in this context refers to not eating meat. Meat refers to the fleshmeat of mammals or fowl. Beef, poultry, lamb, etc are all forbidden on days of abstinence. Abstinence does not currently prohibit animal byproducts like dairy (e.g. cheese, butter, milk) or eggs, but in times past they were prohibited. Fish is permitted along with shellfish and other cold-blooded animals like alligators. In times past, days of fast were always days of abstinence as well; however, not all days of abstinence were days of mandatory fasting.

[@pandaoneproductionsd9765]

I’m trying

[@andrewdrew677]

Thank you brothers fasting or going without , can be considered a good practice as long as it’s Spirit led and not through practice of self righteousness by way of our flesh. Everything we do the Father wants to be in the midst of it all , here’s a picture of this very thing which can be found in Psalm 127:1-2 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. Isaiah 64:6 For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

🙌🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@itziahurtado]

[@violet32makingit64]

I'm ending the video at " we're not created to be hungry " ... ummm, yes we are.

[@FranciscaEcheverry]

Should I plan for the day of fasting? Or should I just do spontaneously?

[@tumpalbenediktuspriharto-sf6qe]

Is Catholic fasting including changing schedule of eating or one meal a day only??

[@bluezy710]

The church does not have authority to determine how you fast. Use the Bible as your guide. The only fasts in the Bible are the one Daniel does, the 40 day fast Jesus did and the ones in the book of Jonah and Esther which are 3 days without food and water. I've done the 3 day one, literally no food or beverage at all for 3 days on a weekend, blocking everything and everyone out like Jesus did and obviously not on a work day. The morning of the second day, I thought I'd die but as I rolled out of bed and went straight on my knees to pray with the little strength I had, I became, inexplicably, extreme strong by noon. Fasting is not only about discipline like they say. It also connects you supernaturally to the realm of heaven and repels demonic activity against your life. It's a spiritual warfare against demons in which by being devoid of food and water, you make your body and your presence inhospitable to demon forces. It literally repels them and breaks their strength. This happens because demons look for bodies of water (Matthew 12:43-45), for blood (Leviticus 17:11) and for food offerings (there are many examples of this in the Old Testament) in order to find relief on Earth for their bodily composition, which was not made for this Earth. Being kicked out of heaven and thrown on Earth by God was a punishment. It is as uncomfortable for them being here as humans being in Mars without a suit. So they look for rest in certain places that are compatible to their composition. They need a compatible place to rest their "bodies" so they look for human bodies, which are 75% water, and blood and ingests food. The book of Zephaniah 2:11 teaches us the spiritual principle of fasting being a spiritual fight against opposing divine entities, "The Lord will be awesome against them for he will famish all the gods of the earth." The Bible also talks about shooting "arrows of famine" (Ezekiel 5:16), which indicates a battle situation involving lack of food. People who can see visions see what happens when you fast. It purges the power of the evil spirits away so the effective way to fast is like Jesus did, also done in the book of Esther and Jonah. No food, no water but few have the faith to do it.

[@ruelaguirre9174]

Hello! Thanks for the wonderful reminder. I am just a little bit confused between fasting and abstinence. Is fasting technically oriented towards the discipline of taking in food - 1 full meal and 2 smaller meals that doesn't add to one meal? The act of denying the body of certain things - consuming meat, social media, netlfix etc - is called abstinence. Thus, one cannot say: "I fast from using social media" or " I fast from eating meat" Hope to hear from you. Thanks :D

[@niqhtinqale]

no cheetos for 4 hours - this is real talk haha