By Peter Santiago read

Posted in Culture

Want to grow in chastity? Try fasting. I remember the summer I decided to take on fasting for some friends and family to feel more connected to them. I set it in my phone’s calendar so I would remember. I asked the people I love how could I pray for them and in turn I would offer up the sacrifices of those days for them. Not only did my fasting strengthen my prayers for others, but I also grew in self-mastery and discipline. I began to realize just how important this practice is when striving for purity.

1. Fasting can be beneficial for anyone in any season — even if a person isn’t trying to overcome an obstacle.

Many suggest fasting from something pleasurable when trying to overcome a big sin. If one doesn’t struggle with a particular addiction or big sin, then fasting may not seem as crucial. The discipline of fasting will help one grow in self-mastery. If we can deny ourselves something favorable then we grow in denying ourselves things that actually harm us. I would consistently read articles which said that fasting would aid in overcoming sins against chastity. Since I began offering sacrifices and days of prayer for others, I have continued to see the fruits of that in all my relationships as I put aside my own desires for the sake of others.

2. Fasting reminds me that I am more than my desires.

Our culture and the media often reduces our existence to mere sexual desire. I remember a student asking me if I thought it was unhealthy to say no to sexual urges. Contemporary movies, music, and media proclaim that instant gratification of all desires is the only way. We are more than our passions. Although, fasting may not prevent urges from affecting us, but practicing self-denial through fasting will help us deal with these desires in loving ways. Either we rule our passions or our passions rule us. Choose today who you want to be; a slave or free.

3. Fasting helps me grow in love and unity.

Fasting is a timeless practice of those who want to grow in selfless love. By fasting we can be united with many who saw the great value of how fasting helps us grow in self-sacrifice. Fasting allows us to say that I can put aside my own desires for the good of another person. When I really want to eat all the sweets that I want, but refrain from doing so for the good of my closest friends and future spouse, I place my desires aside out of love for others. Fasting has the capability and power in love to enrich and enhance the lives of all those around us.

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About the Author

Peter Santiago

Peter Santiago is a 2017 graduate of Saint Vincent College with a BA in Politics and Theology. He grew up in Elizabeth NJ. During his time at Saint Vincent College, Peter Santiago met a member of The Culture Project's staff. Peter began to ask him questions about the virtue of chastity, Theology of the Body, and the Culture Project. Peter Santiago was mystified by the message of Theology of the Body because it was unique and attractive. A few years later, Peter answered God's call to serve others as a Culture Project missionary. "We tend to forget that real love requires sacrifice. I believe that beauty originates in self-sacrificial love. I hope that during my time as a Culture Project missionary I can communicate that in word and deed."

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