cover of episode Day 334: The Meaning of Fasting (2024)

Day 334: The Meaning of Fasting (2024)

2024/11/29
logo of podcast The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

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Father Mike Schmitz
A Catholic priest, speaker, author, and podcaster known for his social media presence and impactful ministries in the Diocese of Duluth.
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施洗约翰的门徒禁食,而耶稣的门徒不禁食。耶稣解释说,新郎与他们同在的时候,他们不禁食;但新郎被取去的时候,他们就要禁食。禁食是基督教的标准做法,它伴随祈祷,可以帮助人们在身体上感受到对上帝的属灵需求,从而更加敞开地接受上帝的计划。禁食不一定要指节食,可以是放弃任何依赖以寻求安慰的事物,例如闹钟、咖啡或酒精。保罗致哥林多前书关于婚姻的教导强调忠诚,无论处于何种婚姻状态,都应忠于自己的现状和承诺。保罗认为没有通往圣洁的捷径,无论处于何种人生阶段,都应忠于上帝的呼召。圣洁在于对上帝的承诺,而不是寻找某种理想状态。保罗关于吃祭偶像食物的教导强调了基督徒行为对他人信仰的影响,避免因个人行为而导致他人犯罪。基督徒应该互相扶持,避免因自己的行为而使他人跌倒。 使徒保罗从扫罗改名为保罗标志着福音传教的转向,将福音传给非犹太人。这并非意味着放弃对犹太人的传教,而是一种新的传教方式,将福音传给那些并非犹太教背景的人们。保罗在哥林多前书中谈到婚姻,强调无论已婚还是未婚,都应该忠于自己的现状,忠于自己所作出的承诺。他认为没有一种特定的生活状态能够保证圣洁,圣洁在于对上帝的忠诚和顺服。在哥林多前书第八章中,保罗讨论了关于吃祭偶像食物的问题。他指出,吃不吃祭偶像的食物本身并不重要,重要的是要避免因自己的行为而导致那些信仰软弱的弟兄姊妹跌倒。基督徒应该考虑到他人的信仰,避免成为他人的绊脚石。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why is fasting an important practice in the Christian faith?

Fasting helps align our bodies with our spirits, making us more aware of our spiritual needs. It opens us up to deeper experiences with God and is a common practice in both Jewish and Christian traditions.

What does Paul emphasize about marriage in his letters to the Corinthians?

Paul stresses the importance of faithfulness in marriage, whether married or unmarried. He advises staying in one's current state and fulfilling the promises made, without seeking a change as a solution to spiritual struggles.

How does Paul address the issue of food offered to idols in his letter to the Corinthians?

Paul acknowledges that idols have no real existence and eating such food is not inherently sinful. However, he cautions against causing weaker believers to stumble by partaking in such practices, emphasizing the need to consider the impact on others' faith.

What significance does the switch from Saul to Paul have in the Acts of the Apostles?

The name change from Saul to Paul marks a shift in his mission, indicating a focus on reaching out to the Gentiles. It symbolizes his broader ministry beyond the Jewish community, aligning with the expansion of the gospel to non-Jewish believers.

What message does Fr. Mike highlight from the readings of Acts 13 and 1 Corinthians 7-8?

Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of fasting as a spiritual practice, the faithfulness required in various states of life, and the need to consider the impact of one's actions on others' faith, particularly in matters like food offered to idols.

Chapters
Fr. Mike discusses the importance of fasting in the early Christian community, explaining how it aligns the body with the spirit and deepens our spiritual need for Christ.
  • Fasting is a common Christian practice that dates back to Jewish times.
  • It helps align the body with the spirit, making us more aware of our spiritual needs.
  • Fasting does not necessarily involve food; it can be abstaining from anything we rely on for comfort or function.

Shownotes Transcript

Fr. Mike highlights the importance of prayer and fasting, instructing us how to fast and empty ourselves to feel our spiritual need for Christ. He also discusses faithfulness in vocations and living out the life God has called you to. Today’s readings are from Acts 13, 1 Corinthians 7-8, and Proverbs 28:4-6.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

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