The Second Weapon Against satan: Fasting

Fasting is an instrument to overcome the power of darkness present in the world now and it has a purification value.

A message about fasting appeared on the third day of the apparitions when the Virgin said to Marija that to achieve peace, “…it is necessary to believe, to pray, to fast, and to go to Confession.” (June 26, 1981)
 

In the Old Testament and in the New Testament, we see many examples of fasting. Jesus fasted. According to tradition, fasting is encouraged especially in times of great temptation or severe trials. Certain devils, “can be cast out in no other way except by prayer and fasting,” said Jesus. (Mark 9:29)
 

Fasting is an instrument to overcome the power of darkness present in the world now and it has a purification value. Our time is a time of darkness, that is why we should use fasting often. Our Lady recommends it twice a week:

 

August 14, 1984

“…Fast strictly on Wednesdays and Fridays…”

 

She requested us to accept this difficult message “…with a firm will.” She asks us to “…persevere in…fasting.” (June 25, 1982)

 

July 21, 1982

“…The best fast is on bread and water. Through fasting and prayer, one can stop wars, one can suspend the laws of nature. Charity cannot replace fasting…everyone, except the sick, must fast.”
 

Again, fasting is a strong weapon against the devil:

 

November, 1981

“The devil tries to impose his power on you, but you must remain strong and persevere in your faith. You must pray and fast. I will always be close to you.”

 

November 16, 1981

“The devil is trying to conquer us. Do not permit him. Keep the faith, fast, and pray. I will be with you at every step…”

 

Fasting is recommended in times of special trouble or for difficult situations:
 

“Pray for Father Jozo [who was in jail] and fast tomorrow on bread and water…” (October 19, 1981)

 

We have to “…fast for the sick…” to obtain their healing. (August 18, 1982)

 

July 25, 1982

“…For the cure of the sick, it is important to say the following prayers: the Creed, and seven times each, The Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be, and to fast on bread and water…”

 

Our Lady also asked some special fasting for the Bishop of Mostar who does not believe in the apparitions:

 

July, 1983

“Fast two days a week for the intentions of the Bishop, who bears a heavy responsibility. If there is a need to, I will ask for a third day…”

 

Each visionary has or will receive 10 secrets. Some of those secrets concern chastisements or warnings to mankind because of its sins. In regard to one of the secrets that concerned a catastrophe, Our Lady told Mirjana:

 

November 6, 1982

“I have prayed; the punishment has been softened. Repeated prayers and fasting reduce punishments from God…”

 

We have to realize the power of fasting. Fasting means to make a sacrifice for God, to offer not only our prayers, but also to make our whole being, our body itself, participate in sacrifice. And we do that with love, for a special intention, and to purify ourselves and the world. This great task of purification needs sacrifices. We do not offer it because we must; we offer it because we love God and want to be courageous soldiers that also offer our bodies in the battle against evil.

In the Love of Our Lady,

Crowds of pilgrims attending Mass behind St. James Church. Pilgrims from all over the world travel to Medjugorje to be with the Mother of God, to hear Her words, Her pleas for us to convert, to accept and love Her Son. Fasting is one of the main messages of Our Lady that will help to purify our souls, opening our hearts to surrender our lives and our wills to God’s desires for each of us.