Fasting

by Slavko Barbarić

Discusses the spiritual discipline of fasting

Genres: Religion, Spirituality

56 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1988

About the author

Fr. Slavko Barbarić, OFM, was born near Međugorje in 1946. He was ordained a priest in 1971. He studied philosophy and pastoral theology in Sarajevo and Schwaz (Austria) and obtained his master's degree in 1973 in Graz, Austria. He gained his doctorate in religious education in 1982 in Freiburg, Germany. Fr. Slavko began working with the pilgrims in Međugorje in January 1982. He conducted numerous retreats and tirelessly spoke about the events of Međugorje all over the world. He wrote many articles for various publications and is the author of many books on the spirituality of Međugorje. His books have been translated into more than 20 languages. Fr. Slavko died on November 24, 2000, at 3.30pm, on Mount Križevac (Cross Mountain) in Međugorje, after having prayed the Stations of the Cross with the parishioners.

Reviews

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fasting is something I am terrible at but would like to do more easily, even if simply for health's sake. As the book explains fasting is *not* not eating, nor is it only eating bread and water. Fasting can even be a fast from something other than food. However, this book's main focus is fasting from food and to let us know that fasting and prayer go together and explains first the reasons for fasting and then goes on to explain the spiritual benefits. As Christians we are called to fast, and as Catholic's Mary has asked us to make a habit of it. An interesting read which pulls the idea closer to my heart and especially how to overcome the feelings of pain and deprivation that make it hard when we are used to gluttony. I'll be keeping the book for a while until I can copy down some of the fasting prayers at the end into my prayer journal.

[Gina Elizabeth Menera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fasting is attainable

I have always felt like a fasting failure. The whole idea was terrifying, and I wasn't really sure how to go about it. Sadly, no one i knew had any idea either, and always said that they just "gave up" something during Lent, or that it meant one regular meal and two smaller meals. After discovering Medjugorje, I knew there was more. This book took away my fear, gave me a concrete place to start, and encouraged me to try again, not as a Lenten exercise, but as a means to grow closer to God.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Father Barbaric discusses the history and purpose of fasting, especially to Christians and other religious societies. He also evaluates what fasting consists of. This was an interesting read for the Lenten season.

[Ida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gives good reasons to fast.

[Dusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I'm Protestant. So when I started seeing mentions of Mary, I felt myself withdraw from the text. However, I'm learning to push past black-and-white thinking so I prayed for the Lord to open my eyes if this small book had something for me.

Reading it was a humbling reminder that, while there may be disparities between branches of the belief, we share many things at core. The book whetted my appetite (a thousand pardons for the pun) for more information on the discipline of fasting, and is very much worth a read if you have an open heart. A good place to start. I will be seeking more information on fasting.

[Lance Towers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Father Barbaric says, "All Christians are called to prayer; the same is true with fasting." He presents various ways for a believer to engage in these practices and convinces the reader of their worth.

[Sara J. (kefuwa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short book - a booklet really... a primer for the message of fasting from Our Lady's Medju messages. If you want a more substantial read I would suggest Fr. Slavko's other book on fasting "Fast with the heart".

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A booklet on the why but I was looking for the how to.

[Ida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reasons to fast

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2nd time reading. Inspirational.

1st time: Glad I read...about Medjugorje fasting. Inspirational. Needs editing.