In today’s gospel we learn the power, importance, and emphasis the Church places on “prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:21). Prayer and fasting are intrinsically linked and might best be likened to the wings of a bird: both are required for the bird to fly and soar; and both are needed to uplift our soul towards God.
Fasting allows our inner self to quiet, subdue, and control the body, creating space for the heart to listen, hear, and know God, while prayer fills that space with God’s divine presence, aligning our desires with God’s will.
When we fast, we are reminded that life is more than bread; it is sustained by every word that proceeds from God. When we pray, we draw near to the One Who satisfies the deepest hunger of our soul.
In the stillness of fasting and the sincerity of prayer, we discover that the greatest reward is not found in what we seek, but in the One we encounter.
