Jean-Serge wrote:I see this thread a bit late. Well, the normative fast is indeed one meal a day after 3 PM as the sources mentioned here states it. Since it is normative, nobody should ask a permission from his spiritual father (high word to talk in fact about the priest who confesses you or that who knows you best) to fast in this way, just as nobody asks permission to fast from meat and dairy, it is the norm.
The fact is that most persons do not know this rule because simply they were not taught about it. I discovered it myself by accident and noticed it was genuine and general. Is that rule hard, impossible to follow physically? According to Saint Gergory Palamas no, and he's right, for several reasons.
If you have one meal a day at noon, you'll be hungry in the evening, but if you have it at 3 PM, you won't in fact. So the hour of 3 PM looks physically good, it is by the way, the hour of lunch in Spain. Before, nothing forbids you from drinking (juice if you need energy because they contain sugar, water etc); since it is not a total abstention of water. Practically speaking, a solution would be those working, eating something at work at 3PM like fruits and so on (bananas work very well), and finish your meal at home when you are back. From experience of several persons, it is really feasible, physically speaking.
Jean-Serge, if you can maintain this rule of fasting, then I admire your strength. But, I cannot. You are right....it's not physically impossible. So what else is involved? Our spiritual state determines our abilities. Everyone is going through their own spiritual struggles/crisis. But, as I mentioned, it's also a tool. If we try to use a tool beyond our capabilities (spiritually) then it can do more damage. This is a very delicate matter. God is very aware of our struggles.
And the fact is that the spiritual conduct of each individual is based on their relationship to God. Yes, the rule is that we cut out oil during the week. I use oil because that is the spiritual struggle I am going through.
Our goal is theosis. And those who have attained it were able to follow this fasting rule because they were in communion with God. It was natural to them. But, we who struggle have certain levels of tolerance. It's a work in progress. And let's say that a person follows the strict fast...that person should be shining with the Holy Spirit, right? But, why is it that people who are so strict with this fast don't shine with the glow of the Holy Spirit? There must be something more to it than just abstaining from certain food. There must be something more going on within themselves, on the spiritual level.
If you feel frustrated by seeing people not doing as much as you do, then just remember that the journey, for them, is not at an end. You are just seeing them at a point in time of their lives. And pray for them.
Yes, I agree. We should follow the rules of fasting of the Church holy fathers. They are our guidance to reaching theosis. But, I just want to remind you again about the fact that not everyone is on the same level. I remember reading the life of St. Gregory of Nyssa and at one point I thought...wow, he doesn't get it. But, then eventually, he became a saint. So, everyone has a turning point and that is what gives me hope... because it's possible that one day I can reach theosis. So basically, I'm saying, there's more to fasting than just the food. But, we shouldn't disrespect the fasting rules either. Just let's keep it balanced.