Friday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Friday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

There is a proper time to fast and a proper time to celebrate.  Even though we are no longer required to abstain from meat on Fridays outside of Lent, the Church still teaches that this is a good practice to continue.  Fasting reminds us that we are nothing without God, who has given us everything.  Fasting is also a way to pray to God, asking for what we need or asking blessing on others.  That is why Pope Francis is asking us to fast and pray for Syria this Saturday.  Fasting can be giving up a meal or a particular food.  You can even sacrifice by giving up a something else that you enjoy doing.  On the other side of the coin, we have celebrations and feasts.  Every Sunday, the Octave of Easter, and saint feast days are all celebration days.  Don't forget about those either.  We need both in order to have a beautiful relationship with God.