Quote:
Originally posted by sebastian_dangerfield
Exactly where does the rEdiculous notion that there is virtue in suffering/sacrifice stem from? I understand that a lot of this silliness comes from Catholics' bizarre need to emulate the lives of saints, but this notion that self denail makes one a "better person" or more moral than others who enjoy themselves more often seems to be pompous self-righteous horseshit.
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Here's what the bishops have to say in answer to your question....
Voluntary fasting from food creates in us a greater openness to God's Spirit and deepens our compassion for those who are forced to go without food. The discomfort brought about by fasting unites us to the sufferings of Christ. Fasting should bring to mind the sufferings of all those for whom Christ suffered. One may refrain from certain foods strictly for dietary purposes, but this would not be Christian penance. Rather, our fasting and refraining is in response to the workings of the Holy Spirit. By fasting we sense a deeper hunger and thirst for God. In a paradoxical way, we feast through fasting—we feast on the spiritual values that lead to works of charity and service. Did not the prophet Isaiah proclaim that such works characterize the fasting that God desires?
This . . . is the fasting that I wish:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke;
Sharing your bread with the hungry,
sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
and not turning your back on your own. (Is 58:6-7)
